Heather - Maple Pass Loop — Saturday, Jun. 30, 2001

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

Hiked the Heather Pass-Maple Pass loop trail. Walked from Rainy Pass parking area past Lake Ann to Heather Pass snow-free. Large patches of snow from Heather Pass to Maple Pass and all along the ridge. Many people were doing this hike, however, and no one seemed to have problems hiking on the snow. Under the sun it was soft and easily negotiated. And it was melting fast! Very nice views, few bugs. Steep walk down from the ridge back to Rainy Pass. A sign at the parking lot recommended walking in the direction I did; but with my creaky knees I would have preferred walking up the steep part and down the easier grade, in the opposite direction. Last time I was here was 1989, and there was no loop then--just a one-way trail to Maple Pass. Progress!