The cost is $5 per day. Great location. ", A verified traveler stayed at Aprs Cabin | Designer Lake Cabin, : (Save changes and close the date picker. This upper part of the trail can still be snow-covered well into the summer, so be prepared to hike on the snow if you will be here in July. For outstanding views of the North Cascades, put the Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm hike on your list. When you are in the park, practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Snow can linger on the trail until mid-July, so be prepared if hiking in spring/early summer. The drive along Highway 20 is beautiful, and the shorter hikes to other lakes are nice, but for views like these, you really have to hike high. Display your America the Beautiful pass on your dashboard. See the full list of must-have experiences in our guide to the Best Things to Do in Olympic National Park. Methow Valley Ranger District: (509) 996-4003. We had a great week and the hosts were very welcoming and helpful and the property was beautiful. To echo everyone else, stunning views, gorgeous meadows, beautiful lake. Save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide as a One Key member. We hiked Maple Pass CCW today, Tue 9/21/21, including the spur to Lake Ann and we threw in Rainy Lake at the end. Ro, The road is now open to the trailhead as of 7/28/21. I never felt unsafe. Would you recommend a water backpack vs water bottles? 1.5 km. You can get by with a sturdy pair of walking shoes, but I would leave the Converse sneakers and flip flops at home. Once you reach Cascade Pass you will be standing at an elevation of 5,400 feet. I recommend layers because I started cold and ended HOT. Do not expect your cell phone to work. This is a truly beautiful hike and my favorite hike Ive done so far while living in Washington. Cheers, Julie. Thanks for the informative write up! Not that I am aware of. Photos (9,473) Directions. It wouldve been perfect without the crazed mosquitoes. Parking was available. Best Things to Do in Olympic National Park. It was A STRUGGLE. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. If you hike the Maple Pass Loop clockwise, Get updates on the road status and trail closures on the, If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our. The clouds began to break up midday. We hiked further up to Maple Pass (elevation 7000 ft) and were able to admire Frisco Mountain up close. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Get updates on the road status and trail closures on the official National Park Service website before you go. Just beyond Cascade Pass, look for the vertical sign post indicating a trail split. If you wouldnt go all of the way to the Glacier Camp, then I would recommend doing the Maple Pass Loop. The road is now partially paved at the steepest sections. Highest Point: 6,650 feet. In your opinion, does the difficultly of this trail compare to the high line trail in glacier and the climb to grinnell glacier? We have TONS more information about the USA in our United States Travel Guide. Complete Guide to the Maple Pass Loop | North Cascades National Park Julie Last updated: November 1, 2022 United States 20 Comments The Maple Pass Loop offers a little bit of everythingwildflowers, old growth forests, a visit to a lovely alpine lake, and (the best part) panoramic views of the North Cascades. So I did it the other way around wasn't too bad. Distance: 7.2 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Total Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet Trailhead Elevation: 4,900 feet Highest Elevation (Maple Pass): 6,950 feet Length of Time: 3 to 5 hours When to go: May through November, depending on the opening of Highway 20. Cant wait to return traveling miss it so much, Your email address will not be published. The bathrooms in the parking lot did not have TP. Beautiful hike with tons of views! And yes, you will be standing up there. Ski-in/ski-out access and an outdoor pool are featured at this smoke-free cabin. Do you have any advice on where I might be able to camp near the trailhead? Enjoy. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. There will be a small sign directing you to Maple Pass but it can be hard to miss. 3 reviews Heather Pass Maple Pass Loop 7 years ago Save We are looking to do a shorter scenic moderate hike and wondered if it would make sense to just change this to an out and back going to Lake Ann and Heather Pass and then back to car. Would we miss all the spectacular scenery if we diid this? Well be back for sure! The bunk room is great for the kids and the bedrooms are great for the adults! We absolutely LOVED this hike from start to finish. Youll eventually see the trail that leads to Lake Ann. Only those with proper equipment and experience glacier hiking should continue hiking from here. You can get updates on road conditions on the NPS website. Its a way that rental companies protect themselves. Its a bit rocky so if youre not confident I would recommend good hiking boots and trekking poles. Or would you avoid hiking it in May if you dont have snow gear? Weather was much cooler and easier in the early morning hours. Amazing hike with beautiful views throughout the hike. After the switchbacks you come out onto a ridgeline, the Sahale Arm, and the view in front of you is incredible. This is one of the most beautiful hikes I'd ever done - absolutely love it and cannot wait to share pictures with friends and family. Once the clouds moved in, it was amazing how quickly they clouded in the Sahale Arm. But it's a beautiful property and great location. We started around 8am. Should we plan for layers, or dress like its summer? We thought we would miss having a TV but didnt, at all. We did this hike mid-July and made it to Heather Pass, but couldn't continue due to snow. Seize Your Someday with our amazing deals for the whole family! The switchbacks start immediately, the first being just a few steps from the trailhead, and they will continue for 2.7 miles with 1,500 feet of total ascent. This includes packing out what you bring into the park, be considerate of other hikers, stay on the trail, and do not remove anything from the park. NORTH CASCADES: Take a look at our North Cascades National Park Travel Guidefor important travel planning tips, sample itineraries, advice on when to go, where to stay, and more. The views were phenomenal!!! Such a great trail!!!!! Our Book with Confidence guarantee gives you 24/7 support, Enjoy full kitchens, laundry, pools, yards and more, More space, more privacy, more amenities more value. This hike is dog friendly and can be done in either clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Sun Mountain Lodge. The hike is reasonably strenuous to get your heart rate up and the views are absolutely amazing the whole time! Wildflowers of all kinds Amazing views. For the entire climb, you have amazing views over Ann Lake and then out to the North Cascades. Location: 48.504848, -120.768993. Great write up and photos! Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. It is a nice break, with very nice views of the towering mountains to your right. I often worry about getting lost, online trail maps can be so sketchyas can the ones at the trail headsif they are thereand readable.I know that it will be STUNNING and I am so exited as this year I became an empty-nester (sob, sob) and this is the last big hoo-rah of the summer Your website is phenomenal and has been bookmarked! Hiking sticks were very helpful. The views looking down at Lake Ann should make you stop more than once as you make your way up the mountain. If you plan to do this hike early in the season, be prepared for lots of snow on the trail. The trail starts at Rainy Pass Trailhead. Look for signs directing you to Rainy Lake. Well marked path once youre on it. We just got back and had a wonderful time. There are vault toilets here, and a Northwest Forest Pass is required. Although this loop can be done in either direction, most hikers choose to go counter-clockwise. The Highline Trail is the easiest, since its an overall downhill walk if you do it from point to point. We all had a good time and enjoyed being at the cabin and doing fun activities in the valley like hiking, rafting, biking, and inter tubing. We stopped for a lot of breaks to take photos and then cruised down the downhill section in the woods. Huckleberries along the way and beautiful glimpses of Rainy Lake made the descent fun despite the more challenging terrain. More Information for Your Trip to North Cascades National Park: Your email address will not be published. Relaxing place to stay. Youll start your hike at Rainy Lake Trailhead. This apartment features ski-in/ski-out access, a garden, and barbecue grills. I agree to bring mosquito spray because we got bitten a bunch. Even with 9 full days on the route, we didn't leave much time for hiking. See 45 Places to Stay near Alden Biesen Castle | Quickly compare Alden Biesen Castle vacation rentals, hotels, cottages, cabins, chalets, and more. Take the split to the left (towards Sahale Arm). Fall meadow with great view of mountain range. As you hike this section of the trail, look for cairns to help guide you up the mountain. "So much prettier than anything I've ever seen!" I've read many postings and watched a few videos on this hike and these are the questions I am left with. About A scenic trail passing by lakes and meadows. 12. In learning it was our first time hiking she advised we only go up to the "border sign" as the views are essentially the same as all the way up top. It was perfect! Did you rent a car for this drive? And as with any unpaved road, we recommend that you know how to change a flat tire. I went on a cloudy/stormy day, so cant give a fair full review. Hiking poles. Last five miles of road to trailhead is closed. With proper gear, it is possible to continue your hike up the glacier. Jun 19 - Jun 20. I dont recall which company we used, but it was one of the major companies. Discover a selection of 85 vacation rentals near Maple Pass Loop that are perfect for your trip. Through clearings of the trees, keep a lookout for a view over Rainy Lake to get a sense of how high you are right now (and how far down you still have to descend). She was a little concerned about the stuffed bear, but they made fast friends. Boots vs sneakers. Just trying to plan an agenda for our trip, and would love to get up in a higher view than just from the Cascades Highway - any insight will be appreciated. I went counterclockwise per the recommendations and it was steep but very very doable. When you pause to catch your breath, enjoy the views of the mountain peaks in the distance. Where do you recommend staying the night before this hike? Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Once at the Sahale Glacier Camp, you get to enjoy spectacular views over Doubtful Lake and layers of jagged, snow-capped peaks. The trail tops out at Sahale Glacier Camp. Great views here of Heather Pass Meadows, and all of the surrounding Peaks and mountains on this side of the loop. Compare room rates, hotel reviews and availability. Wondering about safety? VISIT THE US NATIONAL PARKS: Looking for your next big adventure? If you do this off-shoot trail, you will be adding about a mile to your overall hike. Location: 48.508701, -120.744939. We had read about Heather Maple Pass Loop being one of the best hikes in the North Cascades and knew that this had to be our one big hiking adventure along the route. This trail is a loop and it can be hiked in either direction. Well be back for sure! This hike is amazing. Get to know this 10.5-km circular trail near Stehekin, Washington. Hiking shoes. I started on the dirt path going up and ended on the paved path at the front of the trailhead. If you do this hike counter-clockwise, the trail starts right behind this trail sign, next to the start of the paved trail to Rainy Lake. And later in the day, most of the clouds did burn off (which is when we took these photos). The old Western town of Winthrop was an adventure, as well as the Farmers Market in Twisp. The views keep getting better the higher you go. Our website uses cookies. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Trail is exposed for a large portion of the way and definitely got some sun burn. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. We were pleasantly surprised that we had zero issues with the mosquitoes!!! Directions: From Seattle, drive Hwy 20 through the town of Marblemount and on towards North Cascades National Park. The trail tops out at Maple Pass. Hotels near Maple Pass Loop, North Cascades National Park on Tripadvisor: Find 3,453 traveller reviews, 1,667 candid photos, and prices for 11 hotels near Maple Pass Loop in North Cascades National Park, WA. They are truly breathtaking. Many people say the views are better going counter clockwise but I think the more gradual ascent was worth it! Took us about 6 hours total with lunch at the top and lots of breaks for my 12 year old. The uphill was relatively easy until the last mile or so and then there were some really steep parts just before reaching the summit. 623 m User Ratings Overall Rating 9.7 Physical Difficulty Easy (Circle) Technical Difficulty Easy (Circle) Read Reviews Directions to Trailhead Google Maps Apple Maps Hiking the Maple Pass Loop in the North Cascades is a gem. Not a ton of shade so sun protection and lots of water is also a good call. Look for the dirt trail that wastes no time climbing up through the forest. Views are amazing. This portion of the trail winds its way through fields of wildflowers and is a good area for spotting marmots. This side trip is short, flat, and absolutely worth it. A rather difficult trail suited for avid hikers, the path passes through avalanche meadows and golden alpine larch. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass you do not need to purchase the National Forest Pass. Would be a challenging hike for someone who is not in good shape. This road is 23 miles long and the final 13 miles are a compacted dirt road with a thin layer of loose gravel. In most cases, if you take a rental car on a gravel road and the car gets damaged, breaks down, etc, you could be liable for the damages. I recommend combining rainy lake. You can see the full list in our article Best Hikes in Mount Rainier. You also won't encounter much traffic once you get north of Seattle, another benefit of visiting this park. Often labeled as the best day hike in North Cascades National Park, the Sahale Arm hike is gorgeous every step of the way. The only problem we had was initially finding it. This is optional. At about 0.4 miles, look for the dirt trail that switchbacks up into the forest. Probably my favorite hike Ive done all summer! How to Get There: The closest airport is in Seattle, 3 hours away. Water and snacks. This loop is very popular due to its relatively easy access, but also because its difficult enough for bragging rights but easy enough to be approachable for most hikers. From the trailhead, youll immediately start climbing gradually. Amazing hike, tons of mosquitos 90% of the time, steep in a few areas, 360 views at the top, unforgettable. Wish we lived closer. Beautiful place, property and area. I saw two mosquitoes and none bothered me. I am worried about rental car company restrictions for dirt roads. This is a long, tough hike and early in the season it is possible that you will have to hike through some snow. 1. Motels near Maple Pass Loop Check In / / Check Out / / Guests North Cascades National Park, WA Read Reviews of Maple Pass Loop Property types Motels B&Bs & Inns +25 Campgrounds +25 Hotels +9 Show all View Vacation Rentals Popular & up 2 Free Wifi 3 Hotels +9 Amenities Free Wifi 3 Free parking 3 Pet friendly 1 Air conditioning 2 Julie Last updated: November 1, 2022 United States 16 Comments. The Best Hotels Closest to Maple Pass Loop in for 2023 | Expedia Maple Pass Loop Washington United States of America Hotels Expedia.com Plan your trip Find hotels near Maple Pass Loop, Washington Check-in Check-out Guests Most hotels are fully refundable. We had a great week and the hosts were very welcoming and helpful and the property was beautiful. From Maple Pass, it is a 3-mile descent to get back to the Rainy Lake picnic area. At least 2 liters of water in the summer. I did Maple pass on day 1I started early to beat all the foot traffic (go to the parking lot at the crack of dawn..it gets quite busy late morning). A scenic trail passing by lakes and meadows. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. If you hike the Maple Pass Loop counter-clockwise. The Maple Pass Loop starts from the Maple Pass Trailhead which has its own car park. The views that I did see were spectacular. See all available properties in Maple Pass Loop. Thank you! BEAUTIFUL trail! Continue following the trail until you reach the vertical sign post indicating a split in the trail. Fully stocked kitchen. Going counterclockwise is a very gradual ascent most of the time. Get updates on the road status and trail closures on the, If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our. Display your pass on your dashboard. A full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and 2 outdoor tennis courts are all featured at this smoke-free lodge. Its nothing fancy, but its clean, the rooms are large, and the Wi-Fi works well. This was our final hike after a six-week road trip through the national parks of Colorado and Washington state and it was one of the best. On this hike you'll climb from thick forest to mountain meadows, where wildflowers burst in summer and marmots scurry . Busy because the views are nice and the trail isn't too hard. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. No issues parking. But other than that lovely and wonderful area to walk in Mazama. Very happy we went anti-clockwise. Maple Pass Loop (also known as Heather Maple Pass Loop) is arguably one of the best hiking trails in Washington, and even though it was much longer and more strenuous than our average hikes, we simply had to give it a try ourselves! Cheers, Julie. Pack lots of water! Just disappointed the TV and gas fireplace didnt work. Absolutely incredible! This is a relatively short loop and there are no campsites along the trail. We recommend hiking shoes. Length 10.5 kmElevation gain 659 mRoute type Circular. Great trail. On the day we did this, clouds were blowing in from the west. 22.11 mi from Maple Pass Loop. Maple Pass Loop (North Cascades National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Things to Do in North Cascades National Park, North Cascades National Park Travel Forum, North Cascades National Park Travel Guide, Romantic Hotels in North Cascades National Park, North Cascades National Park Pet Friendly Campgrounds, Hotels near North Cascades Visitor Center, Hotels near Ross Lake National Recreation Area, Hotels near Seattle-Tacoma Intl Airport (SEA), Motels near Seattle-Tacoma Intl Airport (SEA), All things to do in North Cascades National Park, Mountains in North Cascades National Park, National Parks in North Cascades National Park, Nature & Wildlife Areas in North Cascades National Park, Hiking Trails in North Cascades National Park, Waterfalls in North Cascades National Park, Bodies of Water in North Cascades National Park, Scenic Drives in North Cascades National Park, Hiking & Camping Tours in North Cascades National Park, Visitor Centers in North Cascades National Park, Taal Volcano Eruption Sightseeing and Pagsanjan Falls (2-in-1 Tour from Manila), Private Tour: Amalfi Coast Sunset Cruise from Positano, Off the Beaten Track - Glowworm Caving Adventure Tour in Waitomo, Distillery & Rum Tasting Tour in Grand Cayman, From Positano or Praiano: Amalfi Coast half day - Private Tour, Windsor Castle and Stonehenge Extended Visit with Admission, Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island, Hawaii, Halloumi Heaven: Cheese-Making Class & Troodos Mountain Villages 8h. Recreation Map Map showing recreational areas. HIKES IN THE NORTH CASCADES: We cover the top hiking trails in our North Cascades Hiking Guide. A garden and barbecue grills are also provided. Ideal for any season, the trail leads you through wildflower meadows in the summer and golden larch forests in the fall and is one of the best North Cascades hikes. I had not read any reviews prior to hiking but we always carry layers and I even had my wool hat/gloves/winter coat. Its not enough of an elevation gain that it gets a whole lot cooler at the highest parts of the trail. There are others located in NCNP as well but it would be a longer drive. Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. There was address (51) posted on Mink street. This trail is great, definitely recommend going counter-clockwise. My wife and I were visiting North Cascades for 2 days and were looking for a hike to substitute for Cascade Pass. Youll then turn left onto the paved Rainy Lake Trail and return to the parking area. In terms of difficulty, it is a moderate hike up this section of the trail, but because the ascent is continuous for almost three miles, some may consider it a moderate-to-tough ascent. Here is our list of favorite hikes in the US national parks and our favorite hikes in Europe. One would be hard pressed to twist an ankle on this one. Thank you! Take Highway 20 past Marblemount, to Rainy Pass, turn right into parking lot of Rainy Pass picnic area. Take plenty of water. If youre debating the trail, do it! This road is suitable for standard cars but we recommend having a SUV for any unpaved road, just in case road conditions worsen, for greater ground clearance, and for hardier tires. (: Went counter clockwise (was told it was the easier route) loop ending with rainy lake. Go counterclockwise (like AllTrails lays it out) for longer expansive views per mile on nice soft ground with rocks embedded, then the descent is down through shaded forest on more rocky ground. Whether you're traveling with friends, family, or even pets, Vrbo vacation homes have the best amenities for hanging out with the people that matter most, including high chairs for kids and kitchens. Get the full list in our article Best Things to do in North Cascades National Park. Definitely dont need to do the extra lake trail, you see it throughout the hike and the views are better from above! Its a gradual descent for most of the hike as you head back to the parking lot. Id definitely recommend this trail! There is a bear that has been breaking into cars. We found it because it was located next to 55 and matched the pictures. An espresso machine was new for us and we enjoyed trying it out. I was wondering how the mosquitoes were for you on this hike? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Ive heard they can be be pretty awful. I can't speak to the 2nd half of the loop, but the first half was well worth it and probably the best day hike I have ever been on (and I have been on many!). We did not wear/have bug spray and the mosquitoes werent bad at all. Parts of this trail can be slippery as a result of the steep incline combined with loose dirt and rocks. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Get the full list in our article Best Things to Do in Mount Rainier. We recommend hiking shoes. Directions Print/PDF map Length 6.5 miElevation gain 2,162 ftRoute type Loop Check out this 6.5-mile loop trail near Stehekin, Washington. I was weary with all the reviews on mosquitoes but I wore bug spray and really didnt have a problem, they werent as bad as some other trails Ive been on but maybe it was just the weather today. Poles recommended. Thank you!! Muddy and I'm short so I couldn't see the lake from the ground. The down side was not nearly as scenic as going up and seemed more difficult because of the numerous tree roots and rocks on the trail. The colors of the lake don't come into full color until you are above it with the sun shining anyway. There was address (51) posted on Mink street. Im not an avid hiker and with taking my time and a lot of stops I was able to complete it but definitely had to push through and use my willpower! Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 9 min to complete. Downhill was great and easy, but extremely heavily trafficked. At the end of this article I have a Where to Stay section that has some suggestions. Hiking on big rocks that retain the heat doesn't help! At first, you get a wonderful view over Ann Lake and the trail that snakes along the ridgeline. 58 reviews #5 of 26 things to do in North Cascades National Park Hiking Trails Write a review About A scenic trail passing by lakes and meadows. Thats a great question! Everything we could possibly need - and things we didnt even think we needed - were available. From here, its a massive descent back to the Rainy Lake picnic area. Trailhead is on the left, at beginning of lot. There are a variety of views all the way up the trail and the elevation was slowly and steadily increased in the beginning. It was very helpful. Then, as you hike the loop around the lake, you get to enjoy the views. Thanks for writing back in! The first quarter of the trail and last quarter of the trail are through forest. Best hike ive done. But Sahale Arm is a gorgeous hike and well worth the effort. You get to see rainy lake and lake ann from the top, and it's amazing. Also can you hike the trail without going past boarder marker? Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. If you like the idea of getting the hard part over with first, hike the loop in a clockwise direction. We had zero cellular service on this hike. There are lots of mosquitoes here!! Just stunning (late review from yesterday). Additional terms may apply. Thats saying a lot. Where to Stay: While there are two remote lodges inside the park boundaries, the best places to stay are in the towns surrounding the park or campgrounds inside the park. It would otherwise ruin the experience- follow the dirt road to start not the paved path. ), Colonial Creek Campground - Stehekin Valley Trail. Hello Katie. So, check the temperatures, but I think shorts and a T- shirt with some kind of jacket should be perfect. Short walk to ski trails. What ages are recommended for this hike? We went counter clockwise and it was great other than my toes hurting a lot dealing with the steep decline. Youll soon be at the pass, and you can look down at Lake Ann. Learn how to visit all three national parks in our Washington Road Trip Itinerary. 604 Patterson Lake Rd, Winthrop, WA, 98862. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. See properties that include family essentials like in-room conveniences and activities for the kids. I recommend that you do this clockwise, because that last descent is hard on the knees. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Here's a look at our journey along Heather Maple Pass Loop Getting to the Maple Pass Loop Trailhead We were visiting relatives and only had time for a day trip but hope to return and see more of the park someday. We did the hike in the counterclockwise direction which was suggested by our Falcon guidebook and this seemed to be the best way.

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