Larches
They are larching, and the snow adds some dramatic flair.
Parking
I arrived at 9am on Tuesday and was the fourth car before the trailhead parking on the Eastbound side of the highway. When I got back down at ~1pm, there were dozens more blanketing both sides of the road before, after, and across from the pullout. The trail was busy, but not overwhelmingly so. There was almost always a group visible or audible ahead and behind you, but it was still possible to get some surprisingly expansive shots without people in them.
Maple Pass
The recommendations to start clockwise toward Maple Pass first are not idly given. I wanted to see the sun rise over the mountains from Lake Ann (and did not want to wake up any earlier than I already did), so I went Heather Pass first. Barring the flat half mile on Rainy Lake trail, the two miles closest to the trailhead on the Maple Pass side can be treacherous, and it's often difficult to read what is slippery and what is solid in filtered lighting with a partially thawed trail as it was in the early afternoon. I had to roll high on more than a few saving throws to prevent slips turning into falls, even with trekking poles. I really should have put on spikes.
There was a spur trail leading up to a higher vantage from the pass. I got about half way up the ascent, but got some bad vibes especially with the large pack I had on, so I decided to turn back. Be careful if you go that way, it's pretty exposed and the snow didn't feel trustworthy. I don't think the view is a whole lot better than the one you already get from traversing between the passes.
Lake Ann
Watching the sun peek over the mountains was neat, but it didn't really enhance the larch experience, which are another level of magic entirely. One justification for starting out this way, particularly if going at a time when snow conditions may have changed since the last report, is that Lake Ann is much more flat and has good footing than the passes. It also affords you the chance to gaze up at Heather/Maple Pass to determine if that's really something you want to put yourself through (it's worth it, but there are other more moderate climbs in the area like Blue Lake). All said, this is a generally worthy detour, but less so if you're here for larches. You'll see one or two small ones by the lake, but mostly just distant views of what you'd get at arm's reach when hiking the passes.
Heather Pass
Just beautiful up here. It did get windy at times (the snow alone should be enough to tell you to bring layers), but it was an absolutely beautiful day. If the snow continues to thin out, be extra mindful of plants underneath that you may be stepping on and respect restoration area signage. It'd be a shame if they had to rename Heather Pass to Mud Pass.
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