Maple Pass Loop: Everything You Need to Know

Maple Pass Loop is one of the most popular hikes in Washington. It is located on the border of North Cascades National Park and is known for its larches and vibrant colors in the fall months. 

This stunning hike pops hikers out of the forest over looking Lake Ann below. The entire trail has epic views of Lake Ann and the peaks of the North Cascades in the distance. Although the hike does have significant elevation gain, it is a manageable climb for anyone. 

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Things to Know About Maple Pass

• The trail is a loop, but can be done as an out and back if desired. Read the trail information below to help decide which route you want to hike. I’ll share more below about the conditions and level of difficulty each direction is. It’ll help you determine which direction you wish to go.

• There is no water source on the trail without going down to Lake Ann, so pack plenty of water. You should consume a liter for every 2 hours of moderate hiking.

• This trail does have bears present. Know how to hike in bear country and how to respond if you see a bear. If you are hiking solo or early in the morning, be sure to make your presence know and cary bear spray.

• The top of Maple Pass has multiple stretches of rope to prevent hikers from going off trail. This was put in because of repeated damage to the fragile alpine meadows. If you hike Maple Pass, be sure to practice Leave No Trace and stay on the trails. You can get amazing photos from trail or by standing on the surrounding, durable rock surfaces. Let’s do out part to keep this trail beautiful for years to come.

• The trail is not in North Cascades National Park. It is often advertised as a hike within the park, but it sits just at the border. When you reach the top of the pass, there is a sign stating the park is just beyond it, but the trail never enters.

• If you are doing this hike to see larches, you will not see any larches until you get near the actual pass. Most of the hike will not have larches. It is still beautiful the entire way up in the fall as leaves begin to change and well worth it to see the larches at the top!

• Both Lake Ann and Rainy Lake are visible from the Maple Pass trail, but both are an additional 1.2 miles round trip to add on.

Leave No Trace Principles

Be sure to know and follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles on trail. It’s so important to help protect these beautiful places we love and enjoy. Make sure you know these principles before going out on a hike.

• Plan Ahead and Prepare: Always check for current weather updates and educate yourself on trail conditions prior to starting a hike. Look for recent reviews or call the local ranger station for up-to-date trail information like closures, recent wildlife and road conditions. 

• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to the trail. Avoid going off trail unless it’s to go to the bathroom. You can capture amazing photos from the trail. Do not cut switchbacks. Stepping off trail can cause years of damage with just one simple step. Camp in existing campsites rather than over vegetation.  

• Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash and food scraps. Never toss food items on the ground. It is harmful to the wildlife. Properly dispose of human waste by digging a cat hole at least 6 inches deep and burying human waste. Bring a wag back to pack it out in fragile alpine terrain. Never leave toilet paper or feminine hygiene products behind. Bring a bag and pack them out to dispose of properly. Same goes for dog poop. Properly bury it or pack it back out to dispose of. Do not leave dog poop bags on the side of the trail. They are easy to forget, animals can get into them and other hikers don’t want to see them. 

• Leave What You Find: Do not take objects like plants off trail with you. Preserve nature by not marking on rocks or harming any natural objects. Never pick wildflowers. It is illegal in many states. 

• Minimize Campfire Impacts: Check and follow all local wildfire regulations. Use existing fire rings and keep fires small. Put fires out properly by dousing with multiple gallons of water. Coals should be cool to the touch before walking away. 

• Respect Wildlife: Never touch, feed or approach wildlife. Give a minimum of 25 yards to all wildlife and a minimum of 100 yard for predators and larger wildlife. Wildlife are not like house pets. They can spook easily or feel threatened. Stay in your car if wildlife is near the road.

• Be Considerate of Others: Respect other hikers by allowing those that hike faster to pass. Uphill hikers have the right of way, so safely step aside for them to pass, unless they offer to stop first. Limit noise and use headphones. Keep groups under 8. Say hello to a fellow hiker!

Maple Pass Trailhead Location

The Trailhead to Wing Lake is the Maple Pass Trailhead, located off Highway 20. The nearest town is Winthrop, Washington, but Diablo Lake is only 30 minutes away as well. There is a large parking lot just off the highway with vaulted toilets, but it fills up early during summer months and especially during larch season. Many hikers begin before sunrise to beat the crowds.

Best Time of Year to Hike Maple Pass

This trail is best hiked summer through fall. It is known for being a Pacific Northwest staple fall hike, but is beautiful in summer months when there are wildflowers out. Early summer and late fall could have snow on trail still. The trail is accessible in winter and spring months, but snowshoes are a must. If you choose to hike in winter months, make sure you are well prepared for the changing elements and know the dangers of winter hiking.

Maple Pass Trail Info

Maple Pass is usually done as a loop hike, but there are three ways to hike Maple Pass: clockwise, counter clockwise or out and back. So which route is the best option? There really is no wrong answer, but I’ll share everything you need to know to decide which route to go.

Clockwise

Going clockwise starts flat along the Rainy Lakes Trail towards Rainy Lake, parallel to the highway. After roughly .3 miles there is a junction to the Maple Pass Trail. You do not want to miss this junction. The trail quickly begins climbing through the forest with countless short switchbacks up to Maple Pass. There are views of Rainy Lake below along the way. When going clockwise, the views of Lake Ann come a little longer into the hike, but you’ll also see the lake from a higher elevation at first.

This route option is amazing but slightly less popular because the views through the meadow as you leave the pass will be at your back and the forest section is a steeper climb up. If you prefer not going down a steep forested trail, going clockwise might be the better option to have a more gradual incline.

Counterclockwise

Counterclockwise is the most popular route for hiking Maple Pass. This route takes hikers past the Lake Ann junction on the front end of the hike rather than towards the end. The trail is a gradual and wide route through the trees for the first 1.5 or so miles before views of Lake Ann start to appear. As you approach the pass there will be some short switchbacks. This route has beautiful views of the lake, meadows and mountains as you begin to head back down the Maple Pass trail towards Rainy Lake.

Going clockwise would put these views at your back, which is a big part of why it’s the more popular options. As you go back into the tree line the trail narrows, is steeper than the forest trail up to Maple Pass and has a lot more tree roots to maneuver over. Going down this section wasn’t very enjoyable and would probably be easier to go up it, but I personally preferred going clockwise for the views.

Out and Back

Based off of the information shared above, pick the route up you want ot take an simply turn back around when you’re ready to head down. This is a good option if you don’t want to go up or down the steeper forested section above Rainy Lake or just prefer an out and back trail.

Once you reach the top of the pass, you’ll have stunning views of Lake Ann below and the North Cascade mountains in every direction. The top of Maple Pass does not enter the national park, but there is a sign (it had fallen last I hiked) stating going beyond the sign was entering the national park. There is not a trail from above that takes you into North Cascades National Park.

If you are hiking here in the fall months, you’ll see larches and fall colors galore from above. There are multiple viewpoint areas where you can stop and look out over Lake Ann along the way. Maple Pass Trail also has rope along the trail to encourage hikers to stick to the designated trails and not wander into the fragile meadows. Be sure to stick to the designated viewpoints and stay on trail.

What to Bring

The 10 Essentials

No matter the length of difficulty of a hike, you should always carry a backpack with the 10 essentials. You can learn more about these item in my “The 10 Essentials” guide. This hike is a more difficult hike and if there were an emergency and you had to get help on trail you will want to have these items on hand. Plus you can always help a fellow hiker in need.

Backpack

Every person hiking should always have their own backpack with water and supplies. Never rely on someone else to carry your gear because if there is an emergency everyone should be individually prepared. I like to use one between 25-28L so I have plenty of room for food and layers. I have the Gregory Jade 28 and the REI Trail 25.

Clothing Layers

It’s important to pack plenty of layers, especially for alpine terrain hiking. The weather can change quickly and if you hike in the fall, it can go from cold to warm in hours. I like to bring a down coat and rain coat with me so I know I’ll be comfortable if the weather turns. I also bring a long sleeve shirt to wear over a tank top. It can be used as a sun shirt for protection or a warm layer.

Water and Electrolytes

It’s so important to stay hydrated hiking, no matter the time of the year. Plan to have one liter of water per 2 hours of hiking. There are a few streams you can filter water at if you bring a filter, but plan to pack plenty of water. I also bring electrolyte snacks on every hike I go on. I like using my bladder to make sure I’m consuming enough water since it’s easier to drink from. A large water bottle is a great option if you don’t like bladders. I always carry my water filter with me so I can resupply my water as needed. 

Hiking Shoes

Always wear proper shoes when hiking. This means trail runners or hiking boots because they will provide the best traction over rocks and loose terrain. Sandals and tennis shoes are not great footwear for the trail. This trail can be wet and rocks will be slick. Water proof shoes are best if the trail is wet.

Technology

If you have the means, it’s so important to carry a satellite communications device with you into the backcountry. This will allow you to get ahold of emergency services should you need it but also communicate with friends or family off trail. I also use a Garmin watch to track mileage and elevation on the trail so I can properly determine where I am on the hike.

Hiking Poles

Hiking poles will be extremely helpful on this hike if you want to save your knees from the constant downhill stepping. They are also great for helping keep you balanced on uneven terrain. I always carry poles in my pack and find my knees hurt less when I use them. I love my collapsible Black Diamond poles because they are so compact in my backpack.

Reminders

• You can do this hike clockwise or counterclockwise. Be sure to pay attention to the direction you head on the trail and use this guide to help you decide which way you want to go.

• There is no water on this hike unless you do the additional miles to either Lake Ann or Rainy Lake. This means you need to pack plenty of water for the hike since you can’t filter more water. Plan to carry a minimum of a liter for every two hours of hiking.

• Be prepared to encounter wildlife on this trail. Anything from bears to marmots and ground squirrels can be on this hike. Never approach or feed wildlife. Give all animals a minimum of 25 yards. Be sure to pick up all trash and food scraps to prevent wildlife from consuming it.

• This is one of the most popular hiking trails in Washington and will be busy. Weekends and fall will draw in the most people so plan to get to the trailhead as close to sunrise to get a spot or be prepared to wait for a spot to open up. If you’re able to go on a weekday that will allow for the best chance to hike with less crowds.

I hope this guide helps you with your adventure to Maple Pass​! Whether you backpack, go in the summer or go after those fall larches, it’s bound to be a beautiful adventure. If you have any further questions or want to share your experience after, please leave a comment below!

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Other Nearby Hikes

Blue Lake: One of the Best Fall Larch Hikes in Washington

The Best Washington Larch Hikes: 4 Beautiful Trails For Larches In The North Cascades