Heather - Maple Pass Loop, Lake Ann (Rainy Pass)

Did the Maple Pass loop in the direction indicated in the description (saving the steep descent for last). Also took the spur off the trail to Lake Ann. Probably would not have done that if we'd known how many views of the lake we would get later on, but it's an easy flat detour so no harm done.

There are a few ripe blueberries / huckleberries out in the high meadows, but they're getting a little scarce. The ground cover is starting to turn orange and red, but doesn't seem to be at its peak yet.

The major issue to be aware of is that there's no water along this trail at the moment, except for a couple streams at the very end along the paved path. It was a pretty warm day, so I drank most of my water on the climb up, and the only option to refill was to scoop snow from a couple small snow patches near the top (which won't be around for long).

You may also want to review the route in advance and make sure you know where you're going. There are a couple trails branching off in places and they're generally not signed. But just keeping in mind that you're doing a loop around Lake Ann should help.

We also saw a bear in the distance, foraging for berries on the headwall above Lake Ann. Some other hikers said there was another bear around someplace higher up. So the usual bear precautions would probably be a good idea.