Heather - Maple Pass Loop, Lake Ann (Rainy Pass) — Monday, Jun. 15, 2015

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

On my way west over the mountains I decide to explore this popular day hike. The weather was beautiful and warm. This hike is listed as a late July through September hike because of its elevation and snow levels but, considering the low snow year, I figured mid-June would work. And for the most part, it did. I was prepared with trekking poles and microspikes. I decided to take the side trial in and get a close look at lake Ann. The trail was in good shape, except for a few boggy and muddy spots on the side trail. These spots were easily avoided as previous hikers clearly established a trial to avoid these spots. On my way out of the lake Anne basin I was startled by some rustling across the creek and by the time I looked I saw a beautiful black bear scampering up the hillside about 30 yards away! Such an elegant animal. The trail up towards the passes were snow free and in good condition up until about Heather Pass. At this point there were some large (and steep) snow fields to cross. I ran into some hikers that had decided to turn back because they said it got worse up ahead but I decided to press on anyway. After crossing Heather Pass and turning towards Maple Pass the trail cleared up for about a quarter mile before it became completely covered in snow. There were some visible boot tracks that traversed the snowfield and worked their way up to the ridge. At this point I decided to put on microspikes because there was so much snow, although it was so soft that boots would have been just fine. I decided to follow the boot tracks to see if the trail became visible at the top. To my delight there were breakages in the snow cover every couple hundred yards that showed me that I (and the boot tracks I'd been following) were right on course! By the time I gained the ridge I could see Maple Pass and the boot tracks leading to the top. I scampered up the top, kicking steps into the steep snow, and found that the other side of the pass was nearly clear of snow. The way down was much easier, with only a couple small snow fields to cross, although I post-holed up to my knees in a few locations. It was nice to get an early season hike in there and avoid the large crowds. I saw only 3 pairs of hikers in the 4 hours I was out and about! I'm sure that will change soon. Happy exploring!