Heather - Maple Pass Loop — Monday, Jul. 23, 2018

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

This is by far one of my new favorite hikes! I climbed Sourdough Mountain Sunday morning, then drove up to the Rainy Pass TH and backpacked in to Lake Ann. There is no camping within .25 miles of the lake, but there is a convenient campsite right before the “no camping beyond this point” sign! Early the next morning I headed up the pass to do the loop counter-clockwise. It was a nice gradual ascent, and I was able to refill my water bottles at a little stream crossing. The bugs were the worst part. I ran out of bug spray the night before due to the hordes at my camp site, so the hike the next day was pretty miserable. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the endless mountain views, sunny weather, and peaceful solitude. Poles were helpful on the steeper descent, especially due to my heavy pack, but I would not consider them necessary. Happy hiking!