Overlooking the Cascades from Maple Pass
The Heather-Maple Pass Loop is truly a North Cascades classic. This 7.2 mile loop offers a little bit of everything, forested switchbacks, meadows filled with wildflowers, alpine lakes, and some of the best ridge views you will get. In the fall, crowds flock to this trail for the golden larches, when the trees literally turn gold.
Trail stats
Tex on top of a boulder on the Maple Pass Loop trail.
Overview
The Heather-Maple Pass Loop is located about 3.5 hours from Seattle along the scenic North Cascades Highway. With a little over 2000 feet of elevation gain, it is a moderately challenging hike that rewards you every step of the way.
This trail gets extremely crowded, especially during “larch madness” which generally starts in October. Plan to arrive early or go midweek if you’re hoping for a quieter experience, but don’t anticipate enjoying any type of solitude on the trail. Consider having a plan b when visiting this area. I recommend checking out Blue Lake, Cutthroat Lake or Grasshopper Pass, or even drive further down to Mazama and Winthrop to check out some of the hikes in the area.
I have been a little hesitant to write a post about this trail, but I have seen a lot of folks underprepared on the trail. Out of the three times I’ve done this hike, I’ve had groups follow me on the descent because I had a headlamp and all they had was the tiny flashlight on their phones.
Getting to the Trailhead
The ‘hairpin’ turn near Washington Pass.
Trailhead Coordinates: 48.5162, -120.7354
I always enjoy driving along the North Cascades Highway, especially when it leaves Highway 20 and the North Cascades National Park boundaries. Note that the road can sometimes remain closed until mid-June or even early July. In recent years, the road has been opening earlier.
Check road conditions on WSDOT.
This is one of the most accessible trailheads because the road to almost 100% paved without having to deal with any type of forest service road. The parking area is relatively large but can only hold so many cars. You can choose to park along the highway, but please park responsibly if you opt for this option.
Depending on which direction you’re coming from, the Washington Pass Overlook is a good place to stop before or after hiking the trail. The trail to the overlook is mostly paved and generally flat, making it somewhat accessible.
Is this trail dog friendly?
This is also when you will start to hug the North Cascades National Park boundary.
Yes, the trail is dog friendly!
I remember looking at the map and thinking, oops I might have made the mistake of taking my dog up here. But upon taking a closer look at the map, it turns out that part of trail very tightly hugs the boundary of North Cascades National Park. The Heather-Maple Pass Loop trail itself resides within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
If you’re unsure, it’s always good to double check at the ranger station in Marblemount or the Visitor Center in Newhalem, both are on the way to the trailhead if you’re coming from Seattle. If you are coming from the east, then you could stop by the Methow Valley Ranger Station in Winthrop.
Hiking the Heather-Maple Pass Loop
Most trip reports online recommend doing this hike counter-clockwise, and I have only done it this way. The climb is more gradual, but be mindful that descent back to the parking lot is rather steep. It really depends how you’d like to tackle the hike. You can’t go wrong as this trail will get you up to one of the finest viewpoints in all of Western Washington.
Mile 0–1.2: Rainy Pass Trailhead to Lake Ann Junction
Lake Ann
The colors were starting to change in late September
The trail starts at the Rainy Pass Picnic area and takes you through a dense forest before you start to break out of the tree line and climb steadily towards Heather Pass. When you start hiking counterclockwise, you will encounter a sign to Lake Ann. I’ve never taken the hike down to Lake Ann so I’m not sure what the lake itself looks like.
This section hardly has any elevation gain, which is why starting from Lake Ann is so popular.
A great spot to take a quick break - overlooking Lake Ann and the Cascade Mountains.
As the trail begins to climb steadily, the views also open up.
Mile 1.2–2.8: Steady Climb to Heather Pass
From the cutoff to Lake Ann, the trail continues and begins climbing more steeply through open meadows dotted with heather, wildflowers in summer, or golden larches in fall. Switchbacks carry you up to Heather Pass (~2.5 miles in), where the terrain opens dramatically and the views expand.
I always take a moment to stop here and capture how the cascade mountains pose as a dramatic backdrop to Lake Ann - which looks very small.
After this section, the elevation begins to ramp up so it is always nice to take a breather here and soak in the views.
Mile 2.8–4.1: Heather Pass to Maple Pass
August 2019
September 2024
This is when the trail begins to really show off its views. The climb can feel hard but don’t forget to look around, the trail leaves behind the forests and the heathers and climbs steadily up to the high point - Maple Pass. As mentioned, I have done this hike 3 times and every time I get to this section, the views are slightly different (see above photos for the contrasting vegetation during different seasons).
This section traverses an open ridgeline with breathtaking panoramic views in every direction. The climb continues steadily but more gradually now, with a few narrow sections along a sloping scree hillside. The trail eventually tops out at Maple Pass, the highest point of the loop at around 6,600 feet.
Here, you’re surrounded by North Cascade giants—Black Peak, Corteo Peak, and the layers of jagged ridges that make this region so stunning.
It’s windy and exposed, but on a clear day, the views are unbeatable.
Mile 4.1–6.0: Descent Along the Ridgeline
The terrain on the Heather-Maple Pass Loop trail offer diversity.
Remember all that elevation you gained gradually on the way up? You’ll give it back—quickly. From Maple Pass, the trail begins a steady and sometimes steep descent back into the forest, tracing a dramatic ridgeline with sweeping views of the entire loop below.
In the fall, this stretch is prime “larch madness” territory. Golden alpine larches light up the hillside, contrasting beautifully with the surrounding granite peaks and crisp blue skies. I’ve personally avoided this trail during peak larch season because of the crowds, but I’ve hiked it both in the summer and in late September. While the larches hadn’t quite turned yet, the trail was already shifting—bright greens fading into rich reds, golds, and browns. It feels like a completely different hike as the seasons change, and I still find myself captivated by the fall colors.
The descent back to the trailhead during sundown.
Mile 6.0–7.2: Return to Trailhead
The final mile or so winds through dense forest once again. The descent is a bit easier here—less steep and more forgiving on the knees. You’ll cross a few creeks and wooden bridges before closing the loop and returning to the Rainy Pass Trailhead.
I remember the first time I did this hike, I overestimated my own abilities. I ended up hiking in dark but good thing is I am always prepared so I had a headlamp with me. This was also when I started solo hiking. This section enters the dense forest again before returning to the parking lot. I definitely got spooked out a few times. I was also a little tired so every tree stump I encountered I thought was an animal.
Common Questions
Is this trail dog-friendly? Yes, this trail is dog-friendly but they must be leashed. This trail does get steep and rocky at times, so make sure your dog’s paws are protected.
When is the best time to go? July through mid-October. A lot of people like to do it as a fall hike because of the larches and fall colors. While the trail is doable in snow, route-finding skills will be required. The North Cascades Highway is also generally closed from October to June or July. In the summertime, you will encounter a ton of wildflowers and the ridges and hills will be covered in a lot of green; in the fall, the entire area turns into a fiery red and orange color. I’d say if you can, go hike it twice, in different seasons!
When is the best time to see the larches? I’ve never been on this trail for the larches but generally late September to October. Check WTA for trip reports before you head out.
Counter-clockwise or clockwise? I suggest counter-clockwise so you can ease into the elevation before hitting Maple Pass.
Final Thoughts
Each time I hike the Heather–Maple Pass Loop, I’m reminded why it’s considered one of Washington’s best. It’s the kind of trail that packs so much beauty into just a few miles—tranquil forests, sparkling lakes, wildflower meadows, dramatic ridgelines, and those endless North Cascades views. Whether you catch it during peak summer bloom or the early signs of fall, the landscape always feels like it’s shifting into something new. Even after doing the loop more than once, I still find myself stopping to take it all in. If you’re looking for a hike that truly showcases what the North Cascades have to offer, this one’s a must.
Resources
Trail info & conditions
Maple Pass Loop — Washington Trails Association: check recent trip reports for snow early in the season and larch status in fall
Maple Pass Trail — AllTrails: map, GPX, and recent reviews
North Cascades Highway (SR 20) — WSDOT: seasonal closures and current road conditions
Northwest Forest Pass: required at the Rainy Pass trailhead (America the Beautiful also works)
Pets in North Cascades National Park — NPS: why dogs need to turn around before Maple Pass
Leave No Trace: this trail sees heavy traffic, especially during larch season
More from Cynthia & Tex
The 20 Best Hikes in Washington: my personal list, including more North Cascades favorites
Hannegan Pass to Hannegan Peak: 360° North Cascades views off the Mount Baker Highway
Backpacking Thornton Lakes: another Highway 20 trip, inside the national park
Washington Adventures Hub: every Washington hike, backpacking trip, and paddle in one place
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