Among the many supreme North Cascades Highway hikes, the Maple Pass loop is perhaps the most exalted. More than a few hikers have been caught humming Julie Andrews tunes while sauntering on this scenic sojourn. In just 7 nonrepeating miles you'll be treated to majestic old-growth forests, a sparkling alpine lake, resplendent alpine meadows, enticing open ridges, and stunning North Cascades vistas. And if you love wildflowers, Maple Pass's annual floral show is a bloomin' spectacle.

On loops I normally prefer to ascend the steeper direction, giving my knees a respite from pain on the descent, but I deviate here. By hiking to Maple Pass counterclockwise, the gentle ascent allows slow passage through the various life zones this trail traverses, giving the opportunity to note the diverse fauna that flourishes here.

From the trailhead immediately leave the paved path that heads to Rainy Lake. Veering right on a well-beaten and well-maintained trail, begin a quick ascent through a stately ancient forest of fir, spruce, and hemlock. Huckleberry bushes crowd the understory, warranting a return trip in September. In early summer, twinflower, spring beauty, and vanilla leaf bring life to the forest floor.

Continuing through deep timber you'll pass several marshy areas. In midsummer they're saturated with columbine and marigold. At 1.3 miles reach a junction with the trail to Lake Ann (elev. 5300 ft). The loop continues right-upward-gradually gaining elevation. Breaking out of the coniferous cover, enter the subalpine world. An astonishing landscape of towering peaks comes into view as the trail works its way around the cirque cradling Lake Ann.

At 2.3 miles reach Heather Pass (elev. 6200 ft), where a way trail branches right to Lewis and Wing lakes. Continue left through heather and rock gardens to an amazing array of alpine plants abloom. Melting snowfields unveil dazzling displays of glacier lilies, while creek beds, rocky nooks, and sun-kissed meadows present monkey flower, paintbrush, penstemon, arnica, cinquefoil, lupine, gentian, aster, partridgefoot, valerian, harebell, spiraea, anemone, lousewort, and bistort.

Meandering along the cirque rim, Lake Ann glistening 1000 feet below, the trail approaches Maple Pass (elev. 6600 ft) at 3.5 miles. Climbing doesn't cease, however. Continue upward for another mile, topping out on a 6850-foot shoulder of Frisco Mountain. Respect the fragile meadows, leaving off-trail trampling to the marmots. Savor the sublime views before beginning your descent. Imposing peaks-Corteo, Black, Frisco, Whistler, and Tower-ring the immediate surroundings. Glacier Peak and its icy entourage dominate the southwestern skyline.

The loop rapidly plunges off the ridge to a hanging valley, but not without traversing yet more glorious meadows and flower gardens. Rainy Lake, 1700 feet below, soon comes into view. So do Frisco's glaciers. It's then a quick descent through hemlock, heather, and huckleberry back to the paved Rainy Lake Trail. Follow it left for 0.5 mile back to your start. Now wasn't that supreme?