Overview
The Maple Pass Loop is one of the most consistently recommended day hikes in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and in Washington more broadly. The 7.2-mile loop climbs from the Rainy Pass Trailhead through subalpine forest to Lake Ann, continues to Maple Pass at 6,600 feet, and returns along an exposed ridge with views that span the North Cascades in every direction. The hike is moderate, the scenery is outstanding throughout, and the loop format means nothing repeats.
The fall color season in late September elevates this already-strong hike into something that attracts hikers from across the Pacific Northwest. Western larch (Larix occidentalis) lines the slopes above Lake Ann and the upper ridge, and when the needles turn gold against grey granite and blue Cascades sky, the effect is dramatic. Peak color typically arrives the last week of September and lasts 7 to 10 days before snow shuts the show down. Outside of fall color, July through August is a quieter season here compared to the Icicle Creek corridor near Leavenworth.
No wilderness permit is required. A Northwest Forest Pass covers the parking fee. The trailhead is at Rainy Pass on WA-20, about 38 miles east of Newhalem and 5 miles west of Washington Pass. Note that WA-20 (the North Cascades Highway) closes at Washington Pass typically from mid-November through April due to avalanche hazard. Verify current road conditions before driving out in shoulder seasons.
The Route
Most hikers complete the loop counterclockwise, starting on the Lake Ann trail and returning on the ridge. This is the recommended direction and the description below follows it.
Miles 0 to 0.3 (Rainy Pass to junction). From the Rainy Pass parking lot, follow the paved trail briefly west toward Rainy Lake (a separate, easy walk). The junction for Maple Pass and Lake Ann is signed about 0.3 miles in. Turn right (north) for the Lake Ann and Maple Pass trail.
Miles 0.3 to 2.5 (Forest climb to Lake Ann). The trail climbs steadily through subalpine forest with increasing views opening to the southeast. The forest here is a mix of Pacific silver fir, Engelmann spruce, and subalpine fir at the upper end. At roughly 2.5 miles, the trail reaches Lake Ann at 5,475 feet. The lake is scenic and offers a good rest spot before the steeper climbing ahead. The pass is visible above the lake's south end.
Miles 2.5 to 3.8 (Lake Ann to Maple Pass). The trail steepens significantly above the lake, switchbacking up through open terrain with views expanding as you gain elevation. This section passes through heather and talus with scattered larch trees — the primary color zone in fall. Maple Pass (6,600 feet) offers panoramic views: Corteo Peak and Black Peak to the north, the Rainy Pass saddle to the south, and dozens of unnamed Cascades summits in every direction.
Miles 3.8 to 7.2 (Ridge traverse and descent). The ridge walk back to the trailhead is the hike's highlight. The trail runs along an exposed ridgeline with continuous views west into the Cascades, then descends more steeply through forest back to the trailhead junction and the parking lot. This section is windier than the sheltered approach; a jacket is useful even on warm days.
Fall Color Timing
Western larch is the draw in late September. Unlike most conifers, larch is deciduous: the needles turn from green to gold before dropping, creating a fall color display that's rare in the Pacific Northwest. The Maple Pass ridge and the slopes above Lake Ann hold a particularly dense larch population.
Typical peak: last week of September. Individual years vary by 1 to 2 weeks depending on summer temperatures and early fall weather. A warm, dry September pushes color toward early October. An early cold snap accelerates it. North Cascades hiking forums and local outdoor shops in Winthrop and Mazama post useful current-conditions reports during the color season.
Plan for a very early arrival during peak color weekend. The Rainy Pass lot fills by 8 AM on the peak Saturday and Sunday. WSDOT occasionally opens temporary overflow parking along the highway shoulder; plan for a 0.5 to 1-mile roadside walk to the trailhead.
When to Go Outside Fall
July and August are quieter and still excellent. Snow typically clears from the upper ridge by mid-July. Wildflowers (lupine, paintbrush, heather) bloom in the meadows above the lake through early August. Summer weather in the North Cascades tends toward afternoon clouds and occasional thunderstorms; an early start helps. This hike gets less traffic than the Icicle Creek corridor near Leavenworth even in peak summer.
Early October after peak larch can still be worthwhile if snow hasn't arrived yet. The high ridge section can accumulate snow early in October, making the descent tricky without traction devices. Check conditions before going if you're planning an early October visit.
After mid-October, the WA-20 closure date approaches and snow on the upper trail becomes increasingly likely. The trailhead itself may close before the highway does.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 2 liters of water on this hike, refilling from the stream near Lake Ann if needed (filter required). The exposed ridge section gets wind even on calm days in the valley below; a wind layer and hat are worth packing regardless of the morning temperature. Trekking poles are useful on the steeper descent portion of the loop.
Sun protection is relevant above treeline. The upper ridge section is fully exposed. Sunscreen and sunglasses matter here even in early season when the air feels cool.
Dogs are welcome on this trail with a leash. The ridge section is exposed with some steep drop-offs on the west side; keep dogs close and under control. Wildlife encounters (marmots, pikas, the occasional mountain goat) are possible above treeline.
The Leave No Trace principles are particularly relevant during fall color weekends when the trail sees hundreds of hikers daily. Stay on established trail, especially through the heather meadows above Lake Ann, which take years to recover from foot traffic.
Getting There
From Seattle, take I-5 north to Burlington (exit 230), then US-20 east through Concrete, Marblemount, and Newhalem into the North Cascades. Rainy Pass is about 38 miles east of Newhalem and roughly 3.5 hours from Seattle in normal traffic. Cell service disappears in the North Cascades canyon and doesn't return until you descend into the Methow Valley east of Washington Pass. Download offline maps before leaving Marblemount.
From the Methow Valley (Winthrop or Mazama), Rainy Pass is about 45 minutes west on WA-20.
The Rainy Pass Trailhead also serves the Rainy Lake Trail (a paved, 2-mile round trip to a scenic lake that's accessible for strollers and wheelchairs) and the Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT crosses WA-20 here and heads both north and south through the Cascades.
For other Pacific Northwest national forest options with different character, Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southern Washington and Mount Hood National Forest in northern Oregon both offer strong day hike options without the North Cascades Highway access timing constraints.