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  2. Western Mountains Outside the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Maple Pass North Cascades

On a not-so-super weather day, this is STILL the best day hike I have done in North America in the past ten years. Despite the mist and snow, it offers sweeping views and a variety of terrain. We did this hike as part of a two week plus trip to the Cascades in 2016
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  • When in Winthrop, do as the Winthropians do, which is get a cinnamon bun at Sheri's Sweet Shop and enjoy! Even if the icing is stuck to your face.

    When in Winthrop, do as the Winthropians do, which is get a cinnamon bun at Sheri's Sweet Shop and enjoy! Even if the icing is stuck to your face.

  • A map of the loop hike, synthesized from a couple of GPS tracks. We went around the loop clockwise, from Highway 20, which is in the upper right of the map.

    A map of the loop hike, synthesized from a couple of GPS tracks. We went around the loop clockwise, from Highway 20, which is in the upper right of the map.

  • It is a bit over a half hour drive from Winthrop to Rainy Pass. By the time we got to the Pass, the weather was semi-marginal. We would end up hiking the loop clockwise, which was not the way we intended, but glad we did.

    It is a bit over a half hour drive from Winthrop to Rainy Pass. By the time we got to the Pass, the weather was semi-marginal. We would end up hiking the loop clockwise, which was not the way we intended, but glad we did.

  • The climb is fairly steep after the first half a mile. You gain about 2000 feet in 2.7 miles or so. But the views are worth it, even on a misty cloudy day.

    The climb is fairly steep after the first half a mile. You gain about 2000 feet in 2.7 miles or so. But the views are worth it, even on a misty cloudy day.

  • To say the weather was variable is an understatement. Sometimes sun, sometimes light snow. Here, Susie is taking a photo of Rainy lake and beyond.

    To say the weather was variable is an understatement. Sometimes sun, sometimes light snow. Here, Susie is taking a photo of Rainy lake and beyond.

  • The photo of Rainy Lake and the high country.

    The photo of Rainy Lake and the high country.

  • Looking across the valley to our right, we see Lake Ann (to which we had hiked three years ago) and the trail we THOUGHT we were going to take.

    Looking across the valley to our right, we see Lake Ann (to which we had hiked three years ago) and the trail we THOUGHT we were going to take.

  • The view looking back

    The view looking back

  • A triple waterfall.

    A triple waterfall.

  • Roger catching a breather.

    Roger catching a breather.

  • Susie continuing to climb, albeit not as steeply as before.

    Susie continuing to climb, albeit not as steeply as before.

  • By this point, it was snowing lightly, but not so much to obscure completely the long views.

    By this point, it was snowing lightly, but not so much to obscure completely the long views.

  • Note the fresh snow on the trail

    Note the fresh snow on the trail

  • Some nice fall color.

    Some nice fall color.

  • Maple Pass in the distance, we think. Note the people on the ridge. The actual Maple Pass is likely a bit lower, but the ridge affords great views.

    Maple Pass in the distance, we think. Note the people on the ridge. The actual Maple Pass is likely a bit lower, but the ridge affords great views.

  • Susie stopped at a lookout point.

    Susie stopped at a lookout point.

  • Looking down on Lake Ann

    Looking down on Lake Ann

  • Working our way to the pass, or ridge, or whatever.

    Working our way to the pass, or ridge, or whatever.

  • Susie looking back down at the switchbacks. The hiking guides say this part of the trail is minimal, but it was like a real trail.

    Susie looking back down at the switchbacks. The hiking guides say this part of the trail is minimal, but it was like a real trail.

  • From the pass, there are great views to the west, toward Goode and Wyeth Glaciers.

    From the pass, there are great views to the west, toward Goode and Wyeth Glaciers.

  • Heading down toward the "real" low point in the ridge, it is getting hungry out here.

    Heading down toward the "real" low point in the ridge, it is getting hungry out here.

  • We found a spot for lunch, sheltered by some trees, with a great view.

    We found a spot for lunch, sheltered by some trees, with a great view.

  • After lunch, time to start the second half of the hike.

    After lunch, time to start the second half of the hike.

  • A closeup of the Goode and Wyeth Glaciers.

    A closeup of the Goode and Wyeth Glaciers.

  • Looking back to the northeast.

    Looking back to the northeast.

  • The ridge on which we have been hiking separates North Cascades National Park from the National Forest

    The ridge on which we have been hiking separates North Cascades National Park from the National Forest

  • The trail begins its long descent.

    The trail begins its long descent.

  • Lake Ann is below Susie.

    Lake Ann is below Susie.

  • Note the island in Lake Ann. We had not noticed such the first time we hiked to it.

    Note the island in Lake Ann. We had not noticed such the first time we hiked to it.

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    To say the weather was variable is an understatement. Sometimes sun, sometimes light snow. Here, Susie is taking a photo of Rainy lake and beyond.
    The photo of Rainy Lake and the high country.
    Looking across the valley to our right, we see Lake Ann (to which we had hiked three years ago) and the trail we THOUGHT we were going to take.