Maple Pass Loop

Wildlife, wildflowers, and wilderness – the Maple Pass Loop has it all. This hike takes you to a cirque-set alpine lake via a circuitous route around it. Those seeking a favorable bang-to-buck ratio need look no further – Maple Pass Loop is as good as it gets. The only thing you might miss here is solitude, as the easy trailhead access and stunning scenery make for a very popular trail.

Follow “Lake Trail” signs south from the parking area to the trailhead. Soon you’re presented with an option: to hike the trail clockwise or counter-clockwise. While both directions are of equal merit, we describe it counter-clockwise here. Take a right at the junction to begin climbing steadily through the forest.

At 1.4mi, reach a junction. Stay right to continue on the main trail to Maple Pass, or take the short (0.5mi) detour out to Lake Ann. It’s worth the effort if you have time. Continuing on the main trail, views begin to open up over the lake. Switchbacks climb to Heather Pass at 2.4mi, where a sign announces the National Park boundary.

Hike along the wildflower-strewn ridgeline before climbing to Maple Pass – a high alpine zone above the treeline. Marmots like to sun themselves on the rocks in this area, so listen for their whistles. Views along this stretch are incredible in every direction. A few notable, nearby summits include Corteo Peak, Black Peak, Cutthroat Peak and Whistler Mountain – but there are far too many to name. To the south, Glacier Peak is visible on clear days.

From the Maple Pass trail’s high point of nearly 7000ft, it drops rapidly along the ridgeline between Lake Ann and Rainy Lake. You’ll soon re-enter the forest, with peak-a-boo views down to Rainy Lake – fed by waterfalls – on your right. At 6.7mi reach a junction with the Rainy Lake Trail. Head left to follow this flat, paved trail back to the trailhead.

Hiking Trail Highlights

Cutthroat Mountain

Cutthroat Mountain is a distinctive, rugged peak in the heart of the North Cascades, reaching an elevation of 8038ft2450m above sea level. Although from most perspectives it appears as a solitary, stand-alone tower, the mountain actually has two peaks, one to the north and one to the south.

Although Cutthroat Mountain, Cutthroat Pass and Cutthroat Lake (all found in the same vicinity) may sound rather ominous, the name comes from an unexpected source. Instead of referring to deadly bandits or murderous periods in the region’s history, the name is taken from the species of trout that populates the lake and nearby creek. Today, the threatening name contrasts with the serene tranquility of this beautiful part of the North Cascades.

Black Peak

Standing tall at an elevation of 8976ft, Black Peak is the 20th-highest peak in Washington State. This dark, looming mountain is especially rugged, even by North Cascades standards, and stands out from the rest of the peaks on this stunning hike. Surrounded by high mountain lakes, stunning larch forests, beautiful meadows and plunging cliffs, Black Peak is one of the most striking areas in the North Cascades range.

Lake Ann

Lake Ann sits just outside the boundaries of the North Cascades National Park, but it is certainly one of the prettiest lakes in the region. Set in a dramatic cirque and surrounded by dark, craggy rocks, the view over the lake from the main Maple Loop Pass hike is simply spectacular. A small, picturesque island sits in the middle of the lake, and the view over the turquoise waters from high on the trail is magnificent. It’s no wonder that this lake features on many classic photos of the North Cascades region.

Want to find other amazing hikes in North Cascades National Park? Check out the Diablo Lake trail, or the Cascade Pass trail.