Heather - Maple Pass Loop — Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025

We set out before dawn with the intention of catching the sunrise atop Maple Pass - it was absolutely breathtaking. And cold. So cold. There was a thick layer of frost on the ground and the wind on the ridgeline was brutal.

Per usual, layers were the answer: I wore tights under my climbing pants, with a tee shirt/midlayer/puffy on top, plus a hat and gloves. Once we came down off the ridge, I took off the hat, gloves and midlayer. Remember that staying hydrated and consuming simple carbs is also important when you're out in the cold. It really helps.

Our C2C time was ~5 hours, including a detour out toward Lewis Lake and plenty of stops to take photos. As mentioned in other recent trip reports, the parking lot IS open!