Maple Pass Loop: Backpacking to Lewis and Wing Lake

Maple Pass Loop is one of the most scenic fall hikes in the North Cascades, but if you only do the loop you’re missing out. By taking the trail extension to Lewis Lake and Wing Lake, you’ll escape the crowds of the main loop and, if visiting in fall, get to hike among golden larches.

Fall colours on Maple Pass hike in North Cascades in Washington State

This guide covers how to turn the Maple Pass hike into a proper backpacking trip to Lewis and Wing Lake. I hiked this trail at the end of September, when larches start turning gold and the mountain slopes are covered in fields of red and orange. In my opinion, it’s one of the best times to hike Maple Pass trail.

I’ll walk through permits, trail stats, camping spots at Lewis and Wing Lake and what to expect along the way. Instead of hiking the traditional Maple Pass Loop, where overnight camping is not allowed, this itinerary allows you to spend the night out in the backcountry.

If seeing golden larches and hiking Maple Pass is on your list, this itinerary is a great way to do both!

Table of Contents

Snapshot: Maple Pass Loop Trail & Lewis, Wing Lake

Map of Maple Pass Loop hike and backpacking trip — Click here to open on Google Maps!

Where: North Cascades National Park, Washington State
Trailhead: coordinates to Maple Pass Trailhead
Best Time: September or early October
National Park Pass: Northwest Forest Pass or America The Beautiful Pass
Day 1 Distance: 5.3 km (3.3 miles) from Maple Pass trailhead to Lewis Lake
Day 2 Distance: 10.9 km (6.8 miles) from Lewis Lake to Wing Lake and back via Maple Pass Loop
Elevation Gain: 831 m (2,727 ft) over the 2 days
Campgrounds: not allowed along the Maple Pass Loop Trail, only at Lewis Lake and Wing Lake

Where Is Maple Pass Located

Maple Pass loop is located in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, just on the border with North Cascades National Park. The trailhead is the Rainy Pass Picnic Area, right off Highway 20.

We drove from Vancouver to Maple Pass Trail over a long weekend and it took us around 4 hours one way (280 km / 175 mi). But, if you’re coming from Seattle, the drive is 3 hours via I-5 north to Burlington, then east to Highway 20 to Rainy Pass.

Getting to the Maple Pass Trailhead from Vancouver

The trailhead to Maple Pass is located on Highway 20. North Cascades Highway closes seasonally. This generally occurs between November and April/May. The closure is from the Ross Dam Trailhead to Lone Fir Campground due to avalanche danger. For the most up-to-date road conditions check WSDOT. This is also the only highway through the park.

Girl in front of alpine meadows in fall at Maple Pass

View of Maple Pass in North Cascades National Park

We started off in Vancouver and crossed the border early in the morning. From here we drove south of Bellingham and took Cook Rd just before Burlington. Thereafter, we followed the road until we reached the destination.

It took us about 4 hours to drive from Vancouver to Maple Pass trailhead. If you’re combining the Maple Pass hike with a trip to Vancouver, also read my guide to visiting Vancouver in September.

At the trailhead there is a paid parking area ($5 per vehicle), which fills up quite quickly. But, there is plenty of space along the sides of the highway to park your car for free. Just make sure you don’t block traffic on either side of the road.

How Hard is the Hike

Lewis Lake in North Cascades National Park, Washington State

The Maple Pass Loop trail and the extension to Lewis Lake and Wing Lake is moderately difficult. There is no technical climbing involved, but you should expect steady elevation gain along the entire trail.

In my opinion, the hardest part of the trail is the talus field between Heather Pass and Lewis Lake. This is a rocky section that requires careful footing. I’d recommend staying close to the tree line on the right side to avoid scrambling over the largest rocks with a heavy backpack.

Best Time to Hike Maple Pass Trail

In my opinion, the best time to hike the Maple Pass Trail is late September to early October. This is when the larches turn a stunning golden yellow, creating a breathtaking contrast with the surrounding mountains and alpine lakes. However, be prepared for crowds! This period, often called golden larch madness, attracts photographers and nature lovers from all over due to the vibrant fall colors.

That said, weather can be unpredictable in the fall. While it can still be sunny and crisp, temperatures can drop quickly, especially at higher elevations, so be sure to bring layers and check the forecast before you go.

We started the hike in fall and finished it in winter, over the course of two days. Jokes aside, when we began, the weather was crisp but not too cold. The next day though, temperatures dropped and snow began to fall.

Can You Camp on the Maple Pass Loop Trail

Camping on the Maple Pass Loop is not allowed. If you wish to camp nearby, you have to leave the loop at Heather Pass and hike to Lewis Lake.

You don’t need any reservations or pay any fees to camp here. As soon as you reach the alpine lake, you will find a larger camping spot area. It can accommodate 2-3 tents and is right next to the path.

Camping at Lewis Lake in North Cascades National Park, Washington State — Our camping spot at Lewis Lake

Just a few meters ahead, surrounded by trees, you’ll find a small spot suitable for a one or two-person tent. If you’re lucky to secure this spot you’ll have some of the best views of Lewis Lake. For more camping options, head to the hills on your right. There, you’ll discover at least three flat areas perfect for setting up camp.

Another camping option near Maple Pass is at Wing Lake. Camping during the shoulder season can lead to significantly colder nights, so be prepared and pack the appropriate gear.

Do You Need a Pass to Hike the Maple Pass Loop

You can buy either the Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass, as the Maple Pass Loop is located on the border of North Cascades National Park. Make sure you display the pass on your dashboard, as there is no staffed entrance station at this trailhead.

Girl surrounded by colorful alpine meadows in fall in North Cascades

Which Direction to Hike the Maple Pass Trail

You can hike the Maple Pass Loop either counterclockwise or clockwise. We chose to go counterclockwise since we planned to hike to Lewis Lake via Heather Pass, so this route worked best for us.

Hike to Maple Pass in North Cascades in Fall

Hiking the trail counterclockwise offers a more moderate uphill section and gets you to the stunning views of Ann Lake almost right away.

If you hike the loop clockwise, be prepared for a steep ascent with plenty of switchbacks. Plus, if you’re carrying a heavier backpack with overnight camping gear, this route might not be the easiest one.

2 Day Maple Pass Loop Backpacking Trip

Day 1: From the Trailhead to Heather Pass and Lewis Lake

Heather Pass on Maple Pass Loop in North Cascades — Trail at Heather Pass towards Lewis Lake

Max altitude: 1,855 m (6,086 ft)
Elevation gain: 373 m (1,224 ft)
Total distance: 5.3 km (3.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
Itinerary: Trailhead > Heather Pass > Lewis Lake

The trailhead to the Maple Pass hike is very easy to find and is located along HWY 20. We started the hike counterclockwise.

The first stretch in the woods is an easy hike slightly uphill that leads straight to a first colorful field. From here you continue on the well marked path to Heather Pass. It took us about 1.5-2 hours with heavy backpacks to reach this point.

Since we planned on spending the night camping in the backcountry, we steered right towards Lewis Lake. Please remember that camping is not permitted along the Maple Pass Loop trail. The nearest designated camping areas are at the two alpine lakes of Lewis Lake and Wing Lake.

Hiking to Lewis Lake in North Cascades National Park, Washington State — Black Peak and Lewis Lake in the distance

From Heather Pass to Lewis Lake you need to cross a talus field. I’d recommend staying close to the tree line on the right, to avoid climbing over the rocks. Overall, this stretch took us around 1 hour to cross.

Once we reached Lewis Lake we looked for a flat area to pitch our tent for the night. At the end of September, when we took this trip to the North Cascades, the nights were already very cold.

FOOD STORAGE: for overnight camping in North Cascades, you’ll need a bear-resistant canister as there are no bear caches at the Lewis Lake and Wing Lake campsites.

Day 2: Hike to Wing Lake and then Back to Maple Pass

Wing Lake in fall in North Cascades National Park, Washington State — Wing Lake

Max altitude: 2,122 m (6,950 ft)
Elevation gain: 378 m (1,240 ft)
Total distance: 10.9 km (6.8 miles)
Hiking Time: 4.5 – 5 hours
Itinerary: Lewis Lake > Wing Lake > Heather Pass > Maple Pass > Trailhead

In the morning, we hiked further up to Wing Lake to see the golden alpine larches surrounding the mountain slopes. Since we planned to return back to Maple Pass later that day, we left our heavier backpacks behind.

Check also these fall hikes near Vancouver

In 1 hour, we reached the alpine lake, while enjoying the fall colors, meadows and golden larches. Although we hiked uphill the entire time, the dramatic views paid off for the effort.

Ann Lake along the Maple Pass Trail in North Cascades — Ann Lake from Maple Pass

After making our way back to Lewis Lake, we stopped for a quick lunch. Then we packed our tent and traversed the talus field back to Heather Pass. At this point, a light layer of snow started covering the grounds. But we were determined to finish hiking the Maple Pass loop.

From Heather Pass, we pushed on toward Maple Pass. As the dramatic ridgeline was coming into view, the North Cascades mountains were gradually disappearing beneath a blanket of fog. Luckily, we were able to glance down at Ann Lake and the surrounding mountains one last time.

Clouds rolling in on Maple Pass in North Cascades National Park

After one last hill, the descent began, winding down in a series of switchbacks. The trail wasn’t slippery, but caution was necessary. The first section followed the rim, offering breathtaking views before plunging into the woods. After about 1.5 hours of navigating the turns and twists, we completed the downhill and returned to our car.

Final Thoughts

Although hiking to Maple Pass in fall is a bit of a risk due to the crowds drawn here because of the alpine meadows and golden larches, this trail is one of Washington’s best fall hikes. But if you’re looking for fall hikes closer to Vancouver, read my guides on Frosty Mountain and Cheam Peak.

I’ve done many hikes in Canada but the sparkling lakes, North Cascades views and wildflower meadows put the Maple Pass hike at the top of my list. If you only have time for one hike in North Cascades, this one is a must!