Lake Ann Trail (Rainy Pass)

Lake Ann Trail (Rainy Pass) is a 3.4-mile out-and-back from Rainy Pass, using the shared Maple Pass approach before branching onto the Lake Ann trail. It reaches the lake’s open glacial basin without committing to the longer Heather–Maple Pass loop. The climb is steady but moderate: allow about 2.5 hours with a stop at the shore.

From the south Rainy Pass lot, the route follows Maple Pass Trail 740 through second-growth forest and dappled shade. It passes a broad avalanche meadow and more timber before the Lake Ann branch, about 1.25 miles in. Follow the marked Lake Ann trail to the east shore; the mapped walk ends at the lake rather than continuing around the pass loop.

Lake Ann sits in a talus bowl carved by glaciers, with the Heather and Maple Pass ridgeline rising above it. The shore gives you a close view of the basin and a quieter-feeling alternative to climbing higher on the full loop. Driftwood along the water makes a good place to pause when it is accessible; the nearby meadows offer another place to sit. For a photo, include the near-shore driftwood with the cirque behind it.