I hiked this clockwise to get the steepest part over first. I'm not in the best of shape, this being my 5th hike all year, so it was hard on the cardio and muscles. Part of the issue is my pack is pretty heavily laden with photography gear. The trail in the woods is good and the switchbacks just keep going and going until it finally opens up some views across the valley.
The payoff at Maple Pass made the struggle uphill worth it. Panoramic views that were just stunning. I got lucky and the sky was clear, with just some small character clouds. Rainy Lake and Lake Ann were both beautiful. The fall foliage, while not fully in color, was still gorgeous. The larches should be fully turned in a week or two.
I hope to make this trip again when I'm in a bit better shape and there is more snow capping the nearby peaks.
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