Heather–Maple Pass Loop

From the Rainy Pass south lot, the trail climbs through second-growth forest, then opens into an avalanche meadow. At about 1.25 miles, a signed branch drops to Lake Ann. The lake spur is about 0.6 mile round trip from the junction and makes a worthwhile detour: the water sits in a rocky glacial bowl with a large island, and the shore looks toward the pass ahead. Return to the junction to continue the loop; the spur is not part of the loop distance.

Past the lake branch, the trail traverses above the basin through open, flower-filled slopes toward Heather Pass. Faint paths lead away toward Lewis Lake, Wing Lake, and Black Peak; those are separate, more demanding routes, not shortcuts around the loop. Stay with the main tread. From Heather Pass, the climb steepens and rises above treeline toward Maple Pass. Snow can linger over the trail into mid-July, making the route harder to follow in some years.

The ridge opens onto both Lake Ann and Rainy Lake, with Black Peak, Corteo, Frisco, Goode, Stiletto, and the Liberty Bell group across the skyline. A boundary sign marks the transition into North Cascades National Park. For the defining photo, look back across Lake Ann from the ridge so its island sits below the surrounding peaks. July and August bring alpine flowers; in fall, alpine larches turn gold and huckleberry slopes redden, which makes this a particularly popular time to hike.

After the high point, the trail drops steeply along the ridge between the two lakes, losing about 1,700 feet over the final 2.5 miles, then switchbacks through forest to the paved Rainy Lake Trail. Follow the pavement back to the Rainy Pass lot. The loop is often walked counterclockwise, with the ridge climb followed by this sustained descent; save some strength for the downhill. If you continue straight toward Rainy Lake at the paved junction, you have left the loop for a separate walk.

Start at the Maple Pass trailhead by the Rainy Pass south parking lot on Highway 20. The lot is very limited and fills quickly. There are vault toilets and picnic tables, but no potable water or food service, so bring what you need. A recreation pass or day-use pass is required. The circuit crosses park land where pets are prohibited, so dogs cannot accompany you on the full loop. Highway 20 closes seasonally in winter, cutting off the usual Rainy Pass access.