Lake Ann - Maple Pass Loop
Jul 19, 2009
by
Raghu
—
last modified
Jul 21, 2009 12:42 AM
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Lake Ann (Rainy Pass)
- Region: North Cascades -- North Cascades Highway
- Agency: Mount Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest, Mount Baker Ranger District
- Trails: Maple Pass (#740), Lake Ann (#740A)
- Avg Rating: 4.31
- Why You Should Go Now
- Wildflowers blooming
- Be Aware Of
- Bugs
View of Lake Ann with few wildflowers
This has got to be one of the best day hikes in North Cascades region. It was a bright sunny day with clear blue skies when we went. As suggested by everyone, it made sense to start the loop counter clockwise, as the descent was quite steep when coming back.
After a brief walk in the covered forests, the trail opens out beautifully. Lake Ann comes with us almost throughout the trail, and what a sight it was. The meadows were already filled with lot of wildflowers, and i would think that around August 1st week, this area should feel like paradise with even more wildflowers flowering. The views throughout the trail are awesome. When going towards Maple pass, dont forget to take a small trail which comes on the right, as this is the short trail to Heather pass. Heather Pass is a beautiful pass, and one gets a view of the crystal colored Lewis lake from a distance on this pass.
Maple Pass offers wonderful views of the cascades. After Maple pass, the hike is pretty steep and strenuous but this is only for half a mile or so.
During the descent, one can see Rainy lake from a distance. The descent is very steep and can be painful to the knees.
Carry lot of bug spray as bugs thrive here. This hike is surely a gem - it has wildflowers in abundance, splendid views of mountain peaks and glaciers, views of crystal colored lakes, a little bit of forested hike and wonderful passes.. A pristine place to enjoy the best of North Cascades..
After a brief walk in the covered forests, the trail opens out beautifully. Lake Ann comes with us almost throughout the trail, and what a sight it was. The meadows were already filled with lot of wildflowers, and i would think that around August 1st week, this area should feel like paradise with even more wildflowers flowering. The views throughout the trail are awesome. When going towards Maple pass, dont forget to take a small trail which comes on the right, as this is the short trail to Heather pass. Heather Pass is a beautiful pass, and one gets a view of the crystal colored Lewis lake from a distance on this pass.
Maple Pass offers wonderful views of the cascades. After Maple pass, the hike is pretty steep and strenuous but this is only for half a mile or so.
During the descent, one can see Rainy lake from a distance. The descent is very steep and can be painful to the knees.
Carry lot of bug spray as bugs thrive here. This hike is surely a gem - it has wildflowers in abundance, splendid views of mountain peaks and glaciers, views of crystal colored lakes, a little bit of forested hike and wonderful passes.. A pristine place to enjoy the best of North Cascades..
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Lewis lake can be seen from Heather lake [not zoomed in]
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Half bloomed wild-flowers near maple pass
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