Why Maple Pass Loop is the Ultimate North Cascades Hike
Maple Pass Loop is one of the most scenic fall hikes in Washington State. It is part of North Cascades National Park and due to its vicinity to both the Canadian border and Seattle, it attracts yearly many visitors.
This is especially true during “larch madness” from mid-September to early October — and for good reason. When the fall foliage is at its peak and golden larches frame the valley, the mountain slopes are absolutely breathtaking.
The alpine meadows burst with fall colors and the mountains become covered in fields of red and orange.
In this article, I will explain why hiking Maple Pass is an unforgettable experience, where to spot colorful alpine meadows and where to find golden larches. My goal is to help you make your trip to the North Cascades one for the books.
Overview of Hiking Maple Pass Trail in Fall
- Where: North Cascades National Park in Washington State
- Trailhead: coordinates to Maple Pass
- Pass: Northwest Forest Pass or America The Beautiful Pass
- Distance: 15.2 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: 751 m
- Campgrounds: at Lewis Lake and Wing Lake
How to Get to Maple Pass Trailhead
The trailhead to Maple Pass is located on Highway 20. The road can sometimes close during the winter months due to snow. For the most up-to-date road conditions check WSDOT.
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 from Vancouver to drive to the trailhead.
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 please don’t block traffic on either side of the road.
What to Expect when Hiking Maple Pass
When is the 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.
Can you camp on the Maple Pass Loop Trail?
No, camping is not allowed along the Maple Pass Loop Trail itself. If you’re planning to backpack, you’ll want to head to either Lewis Lake or Wing Lake. To do this, exit the Maple Pass Loop at Heather Pass and take the trail on the right.
What pass do you need for the Maple Pass Loop Hike?
You can use either the Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass, as the Maple Pass Loop is located in North Cascades National Park.
How cold does it get in North Cascades in September?
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.
Naturally, we checked the weather before heading into the backcountry, but sometimes nature just takes its own course.
This is a reminder to always be prepared and carry the necessary equipment when you’re in the mountains. We did the Maple Pass Loop hike during the last weekend of September. Especially at night, temperatures dropped below 0°C, and we woke up to a frozen tent.
Where to Camp when Hiking Maple Pass Loop
Camping around the Maple Pass Loop is not allowed. So, 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.
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 benefit from a very pretty view of the alpine 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 sure to pack the appropriate gear.
Things To Know Before Hiking Maple Pass
The North Cascades National Park is a dream destination for nature lovers. It is often referred to as the American Alps and it includes more than 300 glaciers. The national park gets its name from the endless waterfalls tucked away in the mountain range.
Below are some key items you should know before planning a trip to Maple Pass trail:
- To access the North Cascades National Park, you need to display a Northwest Forest Pass. Alternatively, you can show an America The Beautiful Pass.
- Check the weather forecast and ensure you have the appropriate gear. Be especially cautious during the shoulder season, as conditions can change quickly.
- 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. If you’re visiting during these months, plan accordingly. This is also the only highway through the park.
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 continue on to Lewis Lake via Heather Pass, so this route worked best for us.
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 Backpacking Itinerary
Day 1: Head to Heather Pass and Hike to 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.
From Heather Pass to Lewis Lake you need to cross a talus field. We 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 down 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.
Day 2: Hike to Wing Lake and then back to Maple Pass
- 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 check out 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.
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.
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 hike 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.
After one last hill, the descent began, winding down in a series of switchbacks. The trail wasn’t slippery, but caution was still advised. 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 do to the crowds drawn here because of the golden larches, this trail is one of Washington’s most photogenic hikes.
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!
Get Inspired and Find Your Next Adventure:
- The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary in Mount Rainier National Park
- How to Make the Most of 3 Days in Olympic National Park
- The Complete 3-Day Itinerary in Yosemite National Park
- The Best 11 Hikes in Yosemite National Park
- Your Complete Guide to Visiting Haleakala National Park
- 12 Things To Do In Maui: The Ultimate Hawaii Itinerary
- How To Choose Which Hawaiian Island To Visit First
- The Best Of The USA West Coast: 14 Day Road Trip of a Lifetime
Pin for later!
