Heather - Maple Pass Loop — Monday, Sep. 25, 2006

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

Our annual trip to Washington pass to see the fall color. We were a little early, but with the good weather, we thought, ""better go now!"" We camped at Lone Fir campground, so got an early start on this hike. We like to hike the loop clockwise, up the steeper route and down the gentler side. The larches are just turning, with a mix of gold and chartreuse. The blueberries and Mt. Ash are in their full glory now, reds, purples, and oranges, contrasting with the yellow of the dying herbaceous plants and the golden larches. With the warm, sunny weather and the blue skies, it made for a perfect fall hike.