Heather Pass, Lake Ann - Maple Pass Loop
Sep 11, 2008
by
mtnowen
—
last modified
Sep 14, 2008 04:39 PM
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Heather Pass
- Region: North Cascades -- North Cascades Highway
- Trails: Heather Pass (#740)
- Avg Rating: 3.17
- 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
Just after 8:00 AM, on a bright, sunny morning, I headed up the Lake Ann-Heather Pass trail. It was a long time getting here….I first saw a Philip Hyde photograph of Lake Ann in 1965. It was on the cover of the Sierra Club book The Wild Cascades-Forgotten Parkland, published as part of the effort to establish a North Cascades National Park. I was fascinated with the photos of these mountains, and thought that I should one day visit Lake Ann. It took 43 years, but at last I was on my way. This hike was featured in the August issue of Washington Trails magazine. As suggested, I did the loop counter-clockwise, and agree it makes sense--- a gradual ascent with ever expanding views. The colors are starting to change, with reds and yellows phasing in. The larches are still green, with the exception of the very tip of one tree that provided a preview of what’s to come. The pikas are busy harvesting…I had to stop abruptly as one little guy dragged a 3’ long flower stalk across the trail and down to its’ pantry. By going mid-week and starting early, I passed only 7 people all day. I hear this trail can be very crowded on weekends. This is just a great loop hike that requires only moderate effort. The only negatives are the somewhat tedious, tight switchbacks near the end and the traffic noise as you near the highway. This hike should be on your must do list…and don’t wait 43 years….4 stars-mtnowen says check it out.
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