Maple Pass Loop

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
3.5-5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
11.4 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
623 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
9.7
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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Directions to Trailhead
Maple Pass Loop hike in North Cascades National Park

Hiking the Maple Pass Loop in the North Cascades is a gem. This is one of the finest trails in the North Cascades, and Maple Pass Loop is a stunner during its short season. Climbing high above alpine lakes, it skirts the North Cascades National Park boundary for views deep into the rugged and remote North Cascades. If you have time for just one North Cascades trail, this is the one.

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Route Description for Maple Pass Loop

Wildlife, wildflowers, and wilderness – the Maple Pass Loop has it all. This hike takes you to a cirque-set alpine lake via a circuitous route around it. Those seeking a favorable bang-to-buck ratio need look no further - Maple Pass Loop is as good as it gets. The only thing you might miss here is solitude, as the easy trailhead access and stunning scenery make for a very popular trail.

Follow “Lake Trail” signs south from the parking area to the trailhead. Soon you’re presented with an option: to hike the trail clockwise or counter-clockwise. While both directions are of equal merit, we describe it counter-clockwise here. Take a right at the junction to begin climbing steadily through the forest.

At 2.3 km, reach a junction. Stay right to continue on the main trail to Maple Pass, or take the short (0.8 km) detour out to Lake Ann. It’s worth the effort if you have time. Continuing on the main trail, views begin to open up over the lake. Switchbacks climb to Heather Pass at 3.9 km, where a sign announces the National Park boundary.

Hike along the wildflower-strewn ridgeline before climbing to Maple Pass - a high alpine zone above the treeline. Marmots like to sun themselves on the rocks in this area, so listen for their whistles. Views along this stretch are incredible in every direction. A few notable, nearby summits include Corteo Peak, Black Peak, Cutthroat Peak and Whistler Mountain - but there are far too many to name. To the south, Glacier Peak is visible on clear days.

From the Maple Pass trail’s high point of nearly 2,134 m, it drops rapidly along the ridgeline between Lake Ann and Rainy Lake. You’ll soon re-enter the forest, with peak-a-boo views down to Rainy Lake - fed by waterfalls - on your right. At 10.8 km reach a junction with the Rainy Lake Trail. Head left to follow this flat, paved trail back to the trailhead.

Hiking Trail Highlights

Cutthroat Mountain

Cutthroat Mountain is a distinctive, rugged peak in the heart of the North Cascades, reaching an elevation of 2,450 m2450m above sea level. Although from most perspectives it appears as a solitary, stand-alone tower, the mountain actually has two peaks, one to the north and one to the south.

Although Cutthroat Mountain, Cutthroat Pass and Cutthroat Lake (all found in the same vicinity) may sound rather ominous, the name comes from an unexpected source. Instead of referring to deadly bandits or murderous periods in the region’s history, the name is taken from the species of trout that populates the lake and nearby creek. Today, the threatening name contrasts with the serene tranquility of this beautiful part of the North Cascades.

Black Peak

Standing tall at an elevation of 2,736 m, Black Peak is the 20th-highest peak in Washington State. This dark, looming mountain is especially rugged, even by North Cascades standards, and stands out from the rest of the peaks on this stunning hike. Surrounded by high mountain lakes, stunning larch forests, beautiful meadows and plunging cliffs, Black Peak is one of the most striking areas in the North Cascades range.

Lake Ann

Lake Ann sits just outside the boundaries of the North Cascades National Park, but it is certainly one of the prettiest lakes in the region. Set in a dramatic cirque and surrounded by dark, craggy rocks, the view over the lake from the main Maple Loop Pass hike is simply spectacular. A small, picturesque island sits in the middle of the lake, and the view over the turquoise waters from high on the trail is magnificent. It’s no wonder that this lake features on many classic photos of the North Cascades region.

Want to find other amazing hikes in North Cascades National Park? Check out the Diablo Lake trail, or the Cascade Pass trail.

Insider Hints for Maple Pass Loop

  • Visit Maple Pass during the fall for spectacular fall colors. Golden larches are a big attraction here.
  • Bring plenty of water, as there are no sources above the lakes.
  • Please respect the fragile meadows and wildlife by staying on the trail.

Getting to the Maple Pass Loop Trailhead

To get to the Maple Pass Loop trailhead, from Newhalem, drive 59.5 km east on Highway 20. The signed Rainy Pass Picnic Area trailhead is on the right (milepost 157). Northwest Forest Pass required.

Route Information

  • When to do

    July to October

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Toilets

    Yes, at trailhead

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    High

  • Route Type

    Circuit

Maple Pass Loop Elevation Graph

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