We did this 7.2 mile loop counter-clockwise. The wildflowers are mostly past their prime. The fresher flowers were on the return part of the loop below Frisco Mt. At Heather Pass we took our usual side trip toward Lewis Lake. This adds a mile to the loop. The larch are still green so I would guess it will be at least 2 weeks before they are at their prime. As we approached the shoulder of Frisco Mt at 6850 ft there was a short snow squall. A light drizzle began about 1 1/2 miles from the TH on our return. Very few people were on the trail. The views of the North Cascade Peaks as you hike the ciraue above Lake Ann to Maple Pass and beyond make this a spectacular hike even on a cloudy day as we had today.

This hike was absolutely beautiful! We went on a sunny Saturday, but encountered surprisingly few people. The views were stunning, the wildflowers were blooming and there were a few berries along the beginning of the trail.

We started the hike with the less-steep ascent (the side closer to Lake Ann) and I would recommend this route. We didn't encounter much snow on the trail, except for a bit at the top which was easily traverse even by the member of our group who hiked in sneakers.

Two important notes:
The water source at the trail head was not working. Make sure you arrive with all the water you'll need for the day.
There are SO MANY BUGS! We were all bitten many many times despite the liberal coating Maxi Deet we applied before hitting the trail.

We did the Maple Pass loop trail on Saturday and it was amazingly uncrowded considering it was Labor Day weekend. The trail is easy to access from the Rainy Lake picnic area off of HWY 20. The trailhead is behind the pay station. You can start from either the Rainy Lake trail (going clockwise) or the Lake Ann trail (counter clockwise). Someone was kind enough to put up hand written signs at both trailheads. Otherwise, it would be confusing. If you decide to take a side trip to Lake Ann, that will add another mile or two to the route. Otherwise, keep going straight up past the Lake Ann trail. You will soon find amazing views looking down at the lake. The wildflowers are still in bloom. Among the flowers I saw were Lupine, daisies, Queen Anne's Lace, Bear Grass and Columbine. I didn't see any goats, although there is a goat warning posted on the trail. The trail is well maintained and you won't reach any snow until you get to the top of Maple Pass. At the top, you will have plenty of room to sit and enjoy the stunning mountain views. If you decide to do the loop (rather than retracing your steps), you will cross over a few well tread snow fields - they're short and easy to traverse (no steep drop-offs). I think a lot of people skip this trail to hike Cascade Pass. This trail stands on its own as one of the North Cascade wonders. I think it's a fine example of Cascade alpine scenery and highly recommend it. Do bring mosquito repellant as the buggers here are small, stealthy and determined.

We completed the Heather Pass/Maple Pass loop hike on a gorgeous afternoon. It was the first time we've done this particular hike and it quickly became one of our favorites. We went in the counterclockwise direction that is often recommended in the guidebooks. Note: when we got to the trailhead the signs at the split for the loop are missing. Somebody put up cardboard with writing indicating the directions for Lake Ann and Rainy Lake. In case those go missing, the trail for counterclockwise going to Lake Ann Spur and Heather Pass is the dirt path going up into the forest. The paved path heads to Rainy Lake and clockwise hike via Maple Pass first.

Nice gradual hike through the forest which opened up to a brilliant meadow just full of wildflowers. Greeted by a Marmot sunning itself on a large boulder. Didn't seem too concerned about us. Back into the forest until just after the Lake Ann Spur when we were treated to fantastic views of Lake Ann and the cirque we'll be hiking. Clear and full of wildflowers to Heather Pass. Only complaint would be some bothersome bugs. Up to Maple Pass we caught a few patches of compact snow, but all short and really nothing to worry about except spending too much time looking at wildflowers. Corteo Peak really stands out right in front of you at Maple Pass.

Between Maple Pass and the shoulder of Frisco Peak, we saw more and longer snow patches. I've included a representative picture of one of the longer/steeper treks on a snow patch. You could always see the end of the trail on the otherside and/or the path to take. We were glad we had trekking poles, but no real issues in going up to the highest point of the hike.

Down from the shoulder of Frisco peak doesn't mess around. Glad that we went the way we did as after the initial meadows, most of it was down through the forest I really don't think I would have enjoyed it the other way. It was impressive to look down at Lake Ann and see the trail you came up, as well as Rainy Lake and the large waterfall in the distance. About halfway down we heard an animal noise that sounded like a deep "Humph, humph, humph" a little off the trail to our left. We weren't sure what it was, but didn't investigate as we didn't want to surprise it. Just got down the trail and heard the sounds fade behind us. Before we knew it we were connected to the paved trail to Rainy Lake and the last half mile back to our car. Great hike!

Lake Ann Spur- Don't recommend it, at least right now. Got about halfway there when we were just overwhelmed with mosquitoes and other bugs. Also got to a particularly marshy part with lots of standing water on the trail, so we turned back.

Wildflowers- Ones I can remember include Lupin, Columbine, Asters, Buttercups, Corn Lily, Pearly Everlasting, Queen's Cup, Paintbrush, and even more I can't remember at the moment.

Berries- Thimbleberries looked like just about to ripen. Black and Red Huckleberries perhaps a little longer than that.

Snow patches- Going counterclockwise... Between the trailhead and Heather Pass is snow free. Heather Pass to Maple Pass: a few 10-20 yard patches, but that's it. Maple Pass to Shoulder of Frisco Peak: more significant patches, although compact and possible to see where trail continues on each end. We did going up with poles. Shoulder of Frisco Pass to trailhead: trail snowfree.