The word that comes to mind for this hike is Epic. This was by far my most favorite hike I've ever done. The only downside is how long a drive it is from Seattle. It took us almost three hours from Lynnwood to the trailhead but it was definitely worth it. The trail is well-maintained and very nice to hike. There was a small section that was getting overgrown but not to the point of being impassable. There are so many wildflowers on this hike. It's a great place to sit down with an identification book. The trail to Lake Ann was so tempting and as it only adds .6 miles to your total trip I'd say worth it. I'm definitely adding it to my trip next time. The only problem on this hike was the bugs. They were incredibly persistent up on top of the ridge. Not only mosquitoes but big flies that enjoy dive-bombing your head and aiming for your mouth. There were also a couple of places where you had to traverse snow but they were small and not difficult at all. The view up top is so incredible, it took my breath away and try out the echo while you're up there as well. We hiked the gentle slope up so we had to do the steep part descending. After that experience I'd say it's almost worth skipping the views of Rainy Lake and going back down the gentle side instead of dealing with the steep dusty side.

The trail is in very good shape. It was a hot Sunday and, as usual, I got a late start and ended up hiking during peak hours for sun and heat on an exposed trail, which made it seem like more of an elevation gain than it really was. Maybe that was why everyone else was on their way down while we were going up. We passed on three small trickles of water because we still had some in our bottles and that was a mistake. After crossing Heather Pass, there was no more water available except for lingering dirty snow, so we sucked dried mango to quench our thirst. We looked down on beautiful, enticing little Lewis Lake and descended as far as the loose rocks, but then decided to leave Lewis and Wing Lakes for a short backpacking trip. The vistas on this hike are stupendous. When you think that you couldn’t possibly see any more beautiful peaks, more come into sight, and they are all different: barren, red, wooded, green, snow-covered, vertical, rounded, volcanic. It all ends very suddenly after the best of the views has you gasping in awe, and then the knee-shredding decline begins. If you find yourself on a trail precariously close to a sheer dropoff, then you are on the wrong descent. Look for the switchbacks first so that you start it correctly. It is worthwhile taking the walk to Rainy Lake on your return to the parking lot, since the main trail meets up with Rainy Lake trail halfway to the lake and then you have a chance to see the wide, terraced waterfall again, from a different vantage point. After doing this hike and Cascade Pass/Sahale Arm, I couldn’t help but marvel that such views can be found in a day hike! And, how lucky that these areas are in our own back yard, no flights across the country, no long-term planning, just jump into the car and go! On the day that we hiked, the biting bugs were minimal.

Forgot to add to previous trip report: I found a nice hiking/trekking pole close to the top of Maple Pass on July 21. I took it back to Seattle, thinking that if I left it on the pass, it would surely be taken. If you lost a pole, leave me a Comment.

The trail is in good shape, lots of snow still at the top. Easy to hike over, poles would be helpful. Lots of flowers blooming, the lupine was just starting to show, the heather is starting to finish blooming. The views of the mountains are beautiful, clear view of the snow capped ones. 360 Degree view from the top. The large black flys were pretty determined from the top all the way down the Rainy Lake side, fiesty things.

What a fantastic hike on a bluebird day! The views are everything the guidebooks say - and more. This hike is now on my top 10 list! We completed the hike counterclockwise starting off at 1:30 PM. 5 hours total time for the loop. Three downed trees over the entire course. All fairly easy to navigate. Trail is a pretty nice, even tread on the climb from the TH to Heather Pass. The trail from the high point of the hike on the ridge S of Ann Lake down to the TH isn't nearly as nice a tread - rock and roots combine with a steep grade to make foot placement important. Spotty snow starts beyond Heather Pass. There are several snowfields to cross (I'd estimate about 30% snow coverage) as you work your way up to 6,900' from there. We completed the trek without hiking poles, but I'd suggest bringing these for some of the steeper fields. Soft afternoon snow made for a slippery climb. Low-top trail shoes are a poor choice right now (as my wife found out.) This may not be an issue in a week or so as the snow is melting fast! This hike is described as "moderate" in most trail guides - I'd agree - providing you complete the hike counterclockwise. In a clockwise fashion, I'd think this deserves a "difficult" rating given the elevation gain in a relatively short distance.