There was one color present on this 'Fall Color Hike": WHITE. Although I considered not doing the hike when I arrived at the trailhead and saw all the snow, I gave it a go and had a nice hike. There are several inches of fresh powder on the trail, but it's easy going until the last quarter mile before Maple Pass, where there are 36" snow drifts and the trail starts to disappear. Once I got to the pass I had trouble finding the trail. Still a doable hike, but time's running out for this one. Wear gaiters!

We may have caught the last week of indian summer, and what a treat it was to spend it on the Heather Pass-Maple Pass loop! The larches are in full yellow, and enough of them still had some lime green remaining that there may be a few more weeks of this golden gorgeousness. Blueberry bushes and brush paint the hillsides pink and red. We hiked the entire loop and were treated to ever-changing spectacular scenery and perfect weather. Rightly popular, but worth both the drive and the crowds for a most amazing fall adventure! An added bonus: we found the Colonial Creek campground to be both open and free in October! Great base camp for a couple North Cascades Fall hikes (we stayed at Colonial Creek on friday night, hiked Blue Lake saturday, slept at the Blue Lake trailhead in our VW van saturday night, and did Heather Pass-Maple Pass on sunday.) Also, the drive through the North Cascades is NW autumn at its best.

I had hiked Heather Maple Pass Loop just weeks ago, but was intruiged at the idea of hiking it while the Larch were putting on a show. I enjoy this trail so much, I was happy to hike it again, Larch or no Larch. However, the Larch were putting on a good show, and it felt almost like a new trail, seeing it with fresh perspective. The weather could not have been any better, and for an October day it sure felt like summer on the ascent. Luckily I had layered and hiked in my tank top, others were even better prepared and hiking in shorts. Amazing for October! The trail on the way downs was very dry and dusty, and so steep it made me thankful all over again taht I hadn't hiked this trail clockwise. A beautiful & spectacular hike, I will go again & again given the opportunity.

Crowded? Absolutely. Long drive from Seattle? Yes (about 3 hrs). Massive forest fire smoke obscuring a view of Glacier? Unfortunately. Worth it? Yep! I got a late start on the trail (12:30pm), which turned out to be a blessing because I didn't meet too many on the trail until close to the pass. The fall colors are certainly not as spectacular as I imagine they might be in a fall that included more rain (the leaves are all parched and there's nothing "lush" about this area right now). But, a totally clear and perfect temperature day for such an exposed hike. Great views throughout. The trail is incredibly well-maintained. I don't usually like using poles when I hike, but I busted them out on the steep downhill, for which my knees definitely thanked me. If I did it again, I would probably hike back down the Lake Ann side (the way I came up) because it's prettier and less dusty. But, the view of Rainy Lake and the early descent from the pass is nice, so it's a toss up. No water sources that I could see if you're interested in overnighting. Trail runners - the grade up around Lake Ann is gentle for a great uphill run! I bet the next couple weeks (especially after a day or two of rain) will also be great. Enjoy!

A BIG BIG THANKS TO ALL OF THE HKERS WHO HELPED US WHEN OUR FRIEND BROKE HER ANKLE ON THE HIKE- ESPECIALLY TANNER AND EDDIE, LISA AND DI. ALL OF THE ASSISTANCE, CLOTHES, FOOD, MORAL SUPPORT, GOOD WISHES, AND CALLS TO OUR HUSBANDS WERE SO APPRECIATED!!! It was a long day for everyone and we really want to thank everyone who made their day a little longer to help. Our uninjured friend hiked down in the dark last night and joined us in our trip back Seattle. The two fire jumpers stayed with Jan while arrangements were made. A Navy helicopter got her off the mountain around midnight last night and flew her to the hospital. Thanks again for your support to fellow hikers in need!