{"id":12120,"date":"2021-10-01T17:51:12","date_gmt":"2021-10-01T15:51:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fernwehmotive.de\/?p=12120"},"modified":"2025-05-24T10:24:25","modified_gmt":"2025-05-24T08:24:25","slug":"maple-pass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fernwehmotive.de\/en\/maple-pass\/","title":{"rendered":"Maple Pass Loop - A Dream in the North Cascades"},"content":{"rendered":"
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North Cascades, Washington State, USA. <\/strong>The Maple Pass Loop is said to be the most beautiful trail in the North Cascades. Is that true? We hiked it and were absolutely thrilled. Find out what to expect on the trail and why it's so worthwhile here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unassigned, unpaid advertising. The article contains affiliate links.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Aussicht
View of picturesque Ann Lake.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The North Cascades are known for their wide variety of trails. These lead through dense forests or over breezy mountain passes usually to fantastic views. But what if you have limited time and need to decide on a hike? <\/strong>Then it should already be a particularly beautiful route. Like the Maple Pass Loop, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Panorama
Panorama from Maple Pass Loop in the North Cascades<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Maple Pass Loop is a loop trail and leads on 11.6 kilometers around the mountain lake Ann Lake<\/strong>. Along almost the entire length, the trail offers fantastic views<\/strong>. The ascent of about 600 meters in altitude can be a bit strenuous, but is easily doable. And since you are rewarded with a new great view every few meters, the climb is much easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pass
Almost at the top of the pass there is no more shade.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tip: <\/strong>The Maple Pass Loop is popular and easy to reach via the North Cascades Scenic Highway. On summer days, especially on weekends, there are a correspondingly large number of hikers. It's best to start early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trail is located on the edge of North Cascades National Park. In fact, only the highest section of the Maple Pass Loop is within the national park. Most of it is in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Many trees are covered with bright green moss.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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You wonder about the equipment I use to take pictures?
Here you can find my photo equipment<\/strong>. <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Quick Facts: Maple Pass Loop<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Length:<\/strong> 11.6 kilometers round trip
Height difference:<\/strong> 610 meters
Difficulty:<\/strong> Moderately strenuous hike with little shade
Drinking water:<\/strong> Bring along! At the parking lot and during the hike there is no chance to fill up your water bottles. We each drank two liters on a sunny summer day.
Parking:<\/strong> At the Rainy Pass trailhead just off the North Cascades Scenic Highway (MP 158).
Highlights:<\/strong> diverse vegetation, breathtaking views and chances for wildlife viewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip:<\/strong> Don't forget a sun hat or basecap. There is hardly any shade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Blick
Behind the pass, the trail winds downhill in a zigzag.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Tip:<\/strong> Hike the round tour best counterclockwise. Then you have step by step better and better views and also the more moderate climb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiking boots, daypacks and everything else you might need for a hike on the Maple Pass Loop can be found at Bergzeit*.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n<\/a>\n\n\n\n\n\n

The trail over the Maple Pass leads you first through dense forest always uphill. After a while, a view of Ann Lake opens up and the forest thins out. The trail zigzags higher and higher, and views of the lake and surrounding mountains follow one another seamlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The trail begins in the dense forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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After a short time, the forest loosens up.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Ann
Ann Lake at Maple Pass Loop in the North Cascades\nColorful wildflowers grow along the edges of the trail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The trail goes up and up.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

But you don't have to look that far to see the beauty. Wildflowers grow to the left and right of Maple Pass Loop, and with a little luck, you might see one of the cute chipmunks or a rock ptarmigan. Even mountain goats are said to exist here. But unfortunately we have seen none.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Alpenschneehuhn
Rock Ptarmigan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Chipmunk<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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TIP: A hike is especially enjoyable when you can see animals up close. Instead of getting up close to the animals, it's best to take a pair of binoculars with you. For example, the handy and even waterproof Zeiss Terra ED 8\u00d742*<\/a>. Maybe you'll get lucky and see mountain goats at Maple Pass Loop.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The pass is of course the highlight of the hike and perfect for a longer break. But also the way downhill has a lot to offer. Here, however, a little more surefootedness and a head for heights is required. Trekking poles are helpful here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Maple
Sometimes the descent is steep.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tip:<\/strong> The Maple Pass Loop must be especially beautiful during the heather bloom in mid-August to mid-September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Zum Schutz der Heidepflanzen sollen die Wege am Pass nicht verlassen werden.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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What else is in the area?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do you have a little more time for the Northern Cascades? Then you'll find information on many more hiking trails at the North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem<\/strong> . In addition, you'll pass many other places of interest on North Cascades Scenic Highway 20<\/strong> and the Cascade Loop<\/strong> , including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n