Maple Pass Loop Trail

The Maple Pass Loop Trail is an 11.6 km (7.2 mi) strenuous loop hike in Washington's North Cascades, United States, gaining 670 m (2,200 ft) of elevation to a high point of 2,120 m (6,950 ft) at Maple Pass. Completed in 3–5 hours, it is celebrated for sweeping alpine ridgeline panoramas, glacial lakes, and the finest golden larch displays in the Pacific Northwest.

About the Maple Pass Loop Trail

Tucked within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, the Maple Pass Loop Trail starts at the Rainy Pass trailhead on Highway 20, deep in the North Cascades of Washington State. The trailhead sits at an elevation of 1,495 m (4,900 ft), and the route climbs through old-growth forest and open subalpine meadows to the ridge connecting Heather Pass and Maple Pass before looping back to the valley floor. The entire circuit covers 11.6 km (7.2 mi) and is widely regarded as one of the finest day hikes in the Pacific Northwest.

The trail is classified as strenuous due to its sustained elevation gain and exposed upper ridge, but it is achievable for fit day hikers who allow enough time and carry adequate supplies. There are no technical sections or scrambling required. The route is best hiked counterclockwise, which delivers a gradual climbing sequence with constant views before a steeper final descent through sheltered forest — a rewarding progression that most experienced hikers prefer.

The North Cascades range framing this route is among the most glaciated in the contiguous United States. The landscape reflects that history: jagged ridgelines, cirque lakes carved by ancient ice, and meadows that explode with wildflowers each summer. If you are planning a broader Washington hiking trip, pairing Maple Pass with routes along the Pacific Crest Trail makes for an exceptional week in the region. For nutrition planning on a hike this demanding, our guide on how many calories you need hiking a full day covers specific recommendations.

Route Overview & Stages

The Maple Pass Loop is hiked counterclockwise from the Rainy Pass Picnic Area on Highway 20. The stages below cover the main route; the optional Lake Ann detour adds 1.6 km round-trip and 30 m of additional gain.

The most demanding section is the 2.6 km exposed ridge climb from Heather Pass to Maple Pass, where the trail gains 274 m on open terrain with significant wind exposure. Trekking poles are a real asset here. The long descent from Maple Pass back to the trailhead is steady rather than technical but hard on knees — use the switchbacks fully and take your time.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Rainy Pass Trailhead (1,495 m / 4,900 ft): The well-signed starting point off Highway 20, milepost 157.5. The adjacent paved Rainy Lake trail (1.6 km one-way, flat) means non-hiking companions can explore the area while you complete the loop.
• Lake Ann: A short detour off the main loop at roughly 1,525 m (5,000 ft) leads to this glacial tarn with vivid turquoise water and a glacier-backed backdrop. The optional add-on takes around 30 minutes round-trip and is worth every step.
• Heather Pass (approx. 1,980 m / 6,500 ft): Named for the purple heather carpeting the surrounding slopes in late summer, this saddle marks the transition from forested climbing to open ridge walking. The view expands dramatically in all directions at this point.
• Maple Pass Summit (2,120 m / 6,950 ft): The high point of the loop, with a 360-degree panorama spanning glacier-capped peaks, the Methow Valley to the east, and the forested valleys of the North Cascades below. On clear days this is one of the great viewpoints in Washington State.
• Alpine Larch Groves: Western larch trees (Larix occidentalis) line the ridge between Heather Pass and Maple Pass. From late September to early October these deciduous conifers turn brilliant amber-gold, producing one of the most spectacular fall color displays in North America.
• Ridgeline Traverse: The 2.6 km exposed ridge between the two passes offers simultaneous views east and west — a rare feature that delivers sustained visual reward rather than a single summit moment. Count on stopping frequently here.
• Rainy Lake: Visible during the final descent and accessible via a separate flat paved trail from the parking area, Rainy Lake provides a calm, easy walk suitable for all abilities and a natural bookend to the day.
• North Cascades Skyline: The loop unfolds against a backdrop of peaks including Lewis Butte, Frisco Mountain, and the Corteo Massif — a constantly shifting panorama that changes character as the sun moves throughout the day.

Best Time to Hike the Maple Pass Loop Trail

The Maple Pass Loop is accessible from late June through late October, depending on snowpack and the seasonal opening of Highway 20. As of 2026, Highway 20 typically opens by mid-to-late May, but snow can linger on the upper trail and ridge section well into late June or early July in heavy snow years. Always check current conditions with the Washington Trails Association trip reports before you go.

July brings the first wildflowers and melting snow, with some patches still possible on the ridge. Crowds are moderate compared to later months. Waterproof footwear is especially important this early in the season.

August is the single best month to hike the Maple Pass Loop. The trail is fully snow-free by early August, wildflowers peak in the meadows around Heather Pass, temperatures are pleasant (typically 15–22°C / 59–72°F at the trailhead), and afternoon thunderstorm frequency is lower than July. This is the month recommended for most hikers making the trip specifically for this trail.

Late September to early October draws the largest crowds of the entire season because of the golden larch display. The larches typically peak between September 25 and October 10, producing extraordinary amber color across the ridge. Expect the parking lot at Rainy Pass to be completely full well before 7:00 AM on weekends. Arrive no later than 6:30 AM or visit on a weekday.

Late October sees the first significant snowfall at elevation. The trail becomes icy and potentially dangerous above Heather Pass after the first major storm. Once that threshold is crossed, the loop should be treated as closed for the season unless you have winter mountaineering equipment and experience.

Practical Information

Accommodation

The Maple Pass Loop is a day hike with no overnight camping on the trail itself. Hikers staying in the area overnight have several solid options:

• Klipchuck Campground — Situated 16 km (10 mi) west on Highway 20, this USFS campground offers basic tent and RV sites for approximately $20–25 per night (roughly €18–23). No electrical hook-ups; sites are first-come, first-served. A good base for those arriving the night before an early start.
• Early Winters Campground — Located 20 km (12 mi) east near the Mazama turnoff, this campground runs $18–22 per night (roughly €16–20) and is convenient for hikers also exploring the Methow Valley. Similarly first-come, first-served.
• Winthrop, WA (53 km / 33 mi east): The nearest full-service town, with guesthouses, motels, and B&Bs ranging from €90–185 per night. Book several weeks in advance for the larch-season window in late September, when rooms across the entire Methow Valley fill quickly.
• Marblemount, WA (61 km / 38 mi west): A smaller gateway community with basic lodge accommodation from approximately €70–120 per night. Closer to the western entrance of Highway 20 and a quieter alternative to Winthrop.

Getting There & Back

The Rainy Pass Picnic Area trailhead sits on Highway 20 (North Cascades Highway) at milepost 157.5. There is no public transport to the trailhead — a private vehicle or organised hiking shuttle is required.

• From Seattle: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes by car (280 km / 174 mi) via I-5 North to Burlington, then Highway 20 East through the North Cascades.
• From Winthrop, WA: 53 km (33 mi) west on Highway 20, approximately 40 minutes.
• Nearest major airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) — approximately 3 hours 30 minutes drive. Car hire on arrival is strongly recommended; there is no realistic public transport connection to the trailhead.
• Nearest regional airport: Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT), East Wenatchee — approximately 1 hour 45 minutes drive via US-2 West and Highway 20. Limited flights but useful for those coming from elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest.

Highway 20 closes each winter between Ross Lake and Mazama due to avalanche risk and snowpack, typically from late November through mid-May. Confirm the road is open before travelling in spring or autumn shoulder seasons.

Permits & Fees

No advance hiking permit is required for the Maple Pass Loop Trail as of 2026. A parking pass is mandatory at the Rainy Pass Picnic Area:

• Northwest Forest Pass: $5 per day or $30 per year. Pay at the trailhead iron ranger (cash only; bring exact change). Rangers check compliance regularly during the peak season.
• America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass: $80 per year, covering all federal recreation sites including National Parks, National Forests, and Bureau of Land Management areas. The best value option for hikers visiting multiple federal sites in the same year.
• Parking without a valid pass can result in a citation. Do not assume the lot is unpatrolled on weekdays.

Gear & Packing List

The Maple Pass Loop climbs to nearly 2,120 m on an exposed ridge where weather can shift rapidly even in August. The list below covers the essentials for a safe and comfortable day hike. For full weight breakdowns and product comparisons, use the HikeLoad gear database.

• Pack: A 12–28 L day pack is ideal. The Salomon ADV Skin 12 is a superb choice for fast-and-light hikers who prefer minimal weight on a half-day outing. The Salomon ADV Skin 20 gives a little more room for extra layers, food, and a first aid kit without adding bulk. Hikers wanting frame support and more structure can look at the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Aero 28, which keeps weight low while offering better load transfer on longer outings.
• Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are recommended for most conditions. Trail runners work well in dry mid-summer but can be slippery on snow patches or wet talus sections early and late in the season.
• Layering system: Temperatures at Maple Pass summit can be 8–12°C cooler than at the trailhead. Bring a wind shell and a fleece or synthetic mid-layer regardless of the forecast. Morning starts on the ridge can be cold even in August.
• Water: Carry a minimum of 2 litres from the trailhead. Water is available near Lake Ann and in early-season snowmelt streams but must be filtered or chemically treated before drinking. No potable water is available at the trailhead itself.
• Food & nutrition: Budget for a 3–5 hour effort at altitude. High-calorie snacks (nuts, bars, dried fruit) at 60–90 minute intervals prevent the energy crash that hits many hikers on the ridge descent. Our full breakdown on how many calories you need on a full hiking day gives precise targets by body weight and pace.
• Navigation: Cellular service is absent at the trailhead and throughout most of the trail. Download offline maps via Gaia GPS or CalTopo before you leave town. The trail is well-signed, but visibility can drop quickly in afternoon cloud.
• Sun protection: Above treeline, UV exposure is high even on overcast days. Sunscreen SPF 50+, UV-blocking sunglasses, and a hat or buff are essential, not optional.
• Trekking poles: Strongly recommended for the steep descent from Maple Pass and for balance on any remaining snow patches in early season. Collapsible poles that stow easily are ideal for the ridge section where hands-free movement is preferable.

Planning a multi-day trip into the broader North Cascades wilderness? Our ranked review of the best ultralight backpacks of 2026 covers 7 tested packs across weight categories to help you choose the right carry system.

Similar Trails You Might Like

The Maple Pass Loop captures the essence of Pacific Northwest alpine hiking: a concentrated dose of elevation change, glacial lakes, exposed ridgelines, and wildflower meadows within a single day. If this style of hiking appeals to you, the following trails share similar DNA and are worth adding to your list:

• Half Dome Trail — Yosemite's signature summit hike delivers a similarly strenuous day with an unforgettable payoff, in a completely different granite-and-valley landscape.
• Mount Whitney Trail — The highest peak in the contiguous US offers the ultimate high-altitude challenge for hikers ready to push beyond North Cascades terrain into the Sierra Nevada.
• Angels Landing Trail — West Rim Trail — Zion's most dramatic ridgewalk; shorter than Maple Pass but equally exposed, making it a natural companion hike on a southwestern road trip.
• Pacific Crest Trail — The long-distance spine of Pacific Northwest wilderness hiking, passing through terrain similar to the North Cascades and offering multi-week routes for those inspired by the Maple Pass ridgeline.
• Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (4,988 km) — For hikers who finish the Maple Pass Loop and immediately start planning something far more ambitious.

If you are open to international alternatives, the Theth to Valbona hike in Albania shares the mountain-pass-crossing format with a dramatically different Balkan cultural backdrop and a fraction of the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Maple Pass Loop Trail?
August is the single best month for most hikers: the trail is fully snow-free, wildflowers peak around Heather Pass, and weather is stable with manageable crowds. Late September to early October is exceptional for golden larch color but brings intense weekend pressure — arrive by 6:30 AM or visit on a weekday. The trail is generally open from late June through late October, subject to Highway 20 road conditions and annual snowpack.

How difficult is the Maple Pass Loop Trail?
The trail is rated strenuous due to 670 m (2,200 ft) of cumulative elevation gain and an exposed ridge section between Heather Pass and Maple Pass at 2,120 m. Most fit adults complete it in 3–5 hours. The descent from Maple Pass is steep and demanding on the knees. No technical skills or scrambling are required, but waterproof hiking boots with ankle support and trekking poles are strongly recommended for the conditions you will encounter.

How far is the Maple Pass Loop, and how long does it take?
The full loop is 11.6 km (7.2 mi). Most hikers complete it in 3–5 hours at a steady pace with short breaks. Adding the optional Lake Ann detour extends the total to approximately 13.2 km and adds around 30 minutes. The trail is designed as a single-day outing with no camping on the route itself — budget a full morning and plan to be back at the trailhead by early afternoon to stay ahead of afternoon weather patterns on the ridge.

Is there camping or hut accommodation near the Maple Pass Loop?
There is no camping or hut accommodation on the trail itself — it is a day hike only. The nearest overnight options are Klipchuck Campground (16 km west, from approximately €18 per night) and Early Winters Campground (20 km east, from approximately €16 per night). The towns of Winthrop (53 km east) and Marblemount (61 km west) offer guesthouses and motels from roughly €70–185 per night depending on season and availability.

Do you need a permit to hike the Maple Pass Loop in 2026?
No advance hiking permit is required as of 2026. You must display a valid parking pass at the Rainy Pass trailhead: a Northwest Forest Pass costs $5 per day or $30 annually, payable by cash at the trailhead iron ranger. The America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass ($80/year) is also accepted and covers all federal recreation areas — the best value option for hikers planning to visit multiple National Forest or National Park sites in the same season.