Maple Pass

📍 Location: Rainy Pass, North Cascades Highway (SR 20), Washington
🥾 Trailhead: Rainy Pass trailhead, off SR 20
🗓️ Best time to hike: July through October; golden larches late September to early October
⏳ Recommended time: 4.5–6.5 hours
🌐 Trail reference: AllTrails — Maple Pass Trail

📊 Hiking Metrics

🍁 About the Trail

The Heather–Maple Pass Loop is one of Washington's finest day hikes, climbing from Rainy Pass on SR 20 through forest and subalpine terrain to a high ridgeline in the North Cascades.

The loop passes alpine lakes, wraps below sharp peaks, and traverses open ridges with views in every direction. Most hikers go counterclockwise to save the steepest climbing for the ascent. In late September the subalpine larches turn brilliant gold, making this one of the most sought-after fall hikes in the state.

✨ Why Hike It

The loop is especially known for:

• 🍁 Golden subalpine larches in fall
• 🏔️ Nonstop North Cascades peak views
• 💧 Alpine lakes including Lake Ann and Rainy Lake
• 🥾 A satisfying full-loop route
• 📸 Dramatic ridgeline photography
• 🌼 Summer wildflowers on the high meadows

📅 Best Time to Hike

☀️ July–September — Snow-Free Season

Midsummer offers snow-free trail, wildflowers, and long daylight.

🍂 Late September–Early October — Larch Season

The larches turn gold, drawing heavy crowds. Timing varies year to year and can be cut short by wind or early snow.

Fall Tradeoffs

• Larch timing changes annually
• Parking fills before sunrise on peak weekends
• Early snow can cover the trail
• Ice can make the descent hazardous
• The North Cascades Highway can close temporarily or seasonally

🚗 Access and Parking

The trailhead is at Rainy Pass on SR 20. The lot fills before sunrise on peak fall weekends.

❌ Do not park illegally along SR 20. Arrive very early or hike on a weekday during larch season. 🚧 SR 20 is seasonal and can close for snow, fire, or rockfall — verify WSDOT status before you drive.

🎟️ Permit and Fee

Parking at the Rainy Pass trailhead requires a Northwest Forest Pass or an Interagency pass. No hiking permit is needed for the day loop.

🥾 Trail Conditions

The route is well established but includes:

• Sustained climbing with roughly 2,000 ft of gain
• Exposed alpine ridgeline sections
• Early or late-season snow and ice
• Loose or slick footing on the descent

⚠️ Safety

• Start early to secure parking and beat afternoon storms
• Carry traction and offline navigation in shoulder season
• Bring layers — the ridge is exposed and cold in wind
• Do not follow footprints across snow without confirming the route

🥾 Easier Alternative — Blue Lake Trail

For a shorter day, the Blue Lake Trail is about 4.4 mi / 1,050 ft round trip, 2.5–3.5 hours, 🟡 moderate, to a clear alpine lake below Liberty Bell. Route reference: AllTrails — Blue Lake Trail

✅ Before You Go

Check current information before hiking:

• 🥾 AllTrails — Maple Pass Trail
• 🥾 WTA — Maple Pass
• 🛣️ WSDOT — Mountain Passes
• 🚧 North Cascades road conditions