Heather - Maple Pass Loop — Monday, Oct. 6, 2025

Even on a Monday week day/work day/school day this trailhead continues to draw very large numbers of hikers.  Perhaps because it was likely one of the last nice days we can expect for a while.  The parking lots on N and S side of Hwy 20 were open but totally full by the time we arrived and there were (estimated) 80 or or more cars parked along the Hwy.  Lots of people on the trail going both the clockwise and counter clockwise directions.  It was a great day to see N Cascades peaks and we are definitely in the "go counter clockwise" camp to easily keep the peaks in view.  The larches were about 1/2 way to full yellow, and the red leaves on bushes were really glorious in the full sun.  Earlier Trip Reports mentioned some muddy/slippery conditions on the leg which is the ascent for clockwise and descent for counter clockwise.  This is still the case since sun doesn't hit those areas much.  My hiking partner was coming carefully down one of those areas and still did a butt plant as her feet slid out from under her.  No damage except for dirty palms and dirty pant seat.  Go soon but expect crowds any day until the weather sets in.