Maple Pass Loop Trail

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Located on the eastside of North Cascade National Park is the Maple Pass Loop Trail. This is a very popular trail with the trailhead located just outside the national park and in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Once through the park you will see the sign for the Rainy Pass Trailhead. There is a large parking area but it fills up quickly and often times you will need to park along Cascade Hwy 20 or across the highway in a separate parking area that provides additional hiking opportunities.

I visit this area on a Saturday and it was a complete zoo so I opted to return and try my luck during the week and hope for a smaller crowd. I settled on an early Wednesday morning (10am) and was able to get a parking spot near the trailhead. It should be noted that a Northwest Forest Pass is required and can be purchased at the trailhead for $5.00 if needed.

Trail Route

After a quick trip to the privy I made my way to the trailhead information board. This is the official starting point of the loop. From here you can decide whether to hike the trail clockwise or counterclockwise. Based on the elevation profile shown in the Alltrails App I decided to (and would recommend) to follow the trail in a counterclockwise direction. A clockwise hike is much steeper and looked grueling. From the information board the trail immediately begins a steady climb through a second growth forests. This was a peaceful walk through beautiful conifer trees however, the views were minimal.

Lake Ann

After about 1.25 miles the trail splits with the left trail leading to the mesmerizing Lake Ann. This side trip is only .6 miles round trip and relatively flat. Once at the Lake you will be positioned at the bottom of a natural bowl where you can enjoy a view of lake boarded by tall talus fields on 3 sides. I did not take this detour as it would have added another mile to my hike but have heard is well worth the time!

From the split the trail continues to climbs and begins to open up providing awesome views of Lake Ann below and it signature island. Through this section the trail also passes through large sections of wildflowers before ultimately reaching Heather Pass.

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Heather Pass

Heather Pass, about three-quarters of a mile past the Lake Ann turnoff, gets its name from the native heather plant found here in abundance. Once at Heather Pass there are several “social” trails which meander through meadows to the north.

Cross-country hikers and climbers use these trails to visit Lewis and Wing Lakes, Black Peak, and beyond. I took a short jaunt on one of these trails and the views were outstanding. However it is not necessary as the views from the main trail are just as stunning.

Back on the main trail I bared left and began the most a significant ascent of the hike toward Maple Pass. Although snow was not present on todays hike, I have been told that this section can retain snow until late in the season. Once reaching the ridge line the trail skirts the North Cascades National Park Boundary.

The views of snow camped peaks in this section are amazing. Luckily there was not a cloud in the sky and the view was for miles. So I stopped to have a snack and a gaze!

Maple Pass

From the ridge there is one final push up to the famed Maple Pass. The trail zig zags up a moderately steep slope until reaching a large wooden sign indicating Maple pass. As with the ridge line, Maple Pass provided spectacular views of the peaks within the National Park but also the surrounding peaks to the south and north. Once again I found a soft rock and just kicked back and enjoyed the view.

As I have pointed out before, these views and experiences should not be taken for granted. After all this may be the one only time that my eyes will see this wonderful view. It has taken 55 years for this first time view so I didn’t want to take it for granted. Hopefully with good health and time I will be allowed to return..

After spending extra time on Maple Pass I started my descent back to the trailhead. This was a much steeper descent that had many short and harsh switchbacks. I will admit that this half of the hike was not as glamorous. The North Cascade glaciers and constant sight of Lake Ann below had all but disappeared and I found myself more focused on my footing than on my surroundings.

Rainy Lake

However, there are highlights on this section, most of which was the sporadic views of Rainy Lake. Rainy Lake is much larger than Lake Ann and is a very popular hike that originates from the parking area. A good portion of the hike to Rainy Lake is paved and is less strenuous. After hiking nearly 8 miles and spending considerable amount of the pass I decided it was too late in the day to add this section to my hike and would settle with my birds-eye view.

Once reaching the forest the trail leveled out and meandered through the second growth forest. The shadows were getting long and trail dark as I finally reached the trailhead and my chariot home.

The Maple Pass Loop was suggested to me by fellow full time RVers and Instagram friends @Namasteontheroad. I am glad they suggested it and want to thank them for posting it on Instagram. I would encourage anyone visiting the North Cascade Mountains and/or Park to find time to hike the Maple Pass Loop trail. Most skill and fitness levels can successfully hike this loop if you take your time. You will not be disappointed and will lose track of time creating a lasting memory! Absolutely stunning!

~slow-LEE hiking

Getting There

From Seattle, drive Hwy 20 through the town of Marblemount and on towards North Cascades National Park. After approximately 50 miles, the Rainy Pass trailhead will be on the south (right) side of the road. There is room here for 40 cars, as well as a privy.