Maple Pass, Lake Ann

The promising weekend forecast led us up to Maple Pass Loop to check out the fall colors before further snowfall sets in. At the trailhead at 9:00 a.m. it was 31 degrees. The larches were certainly lovely and golden, but many still have a tad bit longer to go before their peak, but not much. We hiked counter-clockwise and took the side trail down to Lake Ann, which added an extra (easy) mile to the hike and was worth it for the lakeside scenery.

As was described in another recent report, there was off and on compact snow and ice on part of the trail as we descended. We had the instep crampons in the pack but since we had poles figured we'd be fine - well, at least that's what we thought until my companion ended up on the ground. Several people had the good sense to hike the loop clockwise, some to reduce the risk of a fall, and others to reduce wear and tear on their knees.

Spectacular place. Greedily can't wait to return for the flower show next summer.