Heather Pass, Maple Pass, Lake Ann, and Rainy Lake (Heather-Maple Pass Loop)

Trail Highlights:Mountain, lake, and panoramic views; autumn foliage
Round-trip Distance:2.20 miles / 3.50 km (Rainy Lake)
3.20 miles / 5.10 km (Lake Ann)
7.20 miles / 11.60 km (Heather Pass and Maple Pass)
Location:Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest,
Washington Pass / Methow Valley, Washington North Cascades

Ancestral lands of the sp̓aƛ̓mul̓əxʷəxʷ, or, Methow
Directions:
  • From State Route 20 at Rainy Pass between Mileposts 157 and 158, turn right from eastbound/left from westbound
  • Proceed to parking area at end of road
    		•
    Required Pass:Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent for U.S. Forest Service sites.
    Additional Trail Info:Washington Trails Association (Rainy Lake)
    Washington Trails Association (Lake Ann)
    Washington Trails Association (Heather - Maple Pass Loop)
    Note:

    This page profiles the Lake Ann and Rainy Lake located in Chelan County, Washington, rather than the Lake Ann in Whatcom County, Washington, other lakes of the same or similar name throughout the Cascades, or the Rainy Lake in King County, Washington.
    From the passes, Lake Ann is the focal point of vistas radiating in every direction.
    Heather-Maple Pass Loop, Washington.

    The Heather-Maple Pass Loop and its side trails to Lake Ann (sometimes called Ann Lake) and Rainy Lake offer magnificent views throughout the hiking season: mountains in every direction, deeply set alpine lakes, wayside wildflowers, and autumn color. The relatively short loop trail rounds the ridges encircling Lake Ann, climbing to impressive heights on switchbacks that effectively blunt the effort of the ascent.

    As a loop, the trail can be hiked in either direction. Climb it counterclockwise along the trail’s more open northern section to watch the expanding views culminate at Maple Pass; clockwise, climb the steeper, wooded southern section to emerge into that eye-popping view, which gradually disappears as you descend the other side of the loop. In either direction, the loop begins in dense, shadowy forest where breaks in the trees provide tantalizing hints of views to come. At approximately 1.25 miles/2.00 km from the trailhead along the northern bend of the loop, a side trail branches about 0.60 miles/1.00 km to Lake Ann. From the lakeshore, survey the ridge above that forms both Heather Pass and Maple Pass where each dips into similar lake- or creekbeds on the other side. The loop trail’s southern section is paved 0.50 miles/0.80 km up to the side trail to Rainy Lake. The paved side trail continues another 0.60 miles/1.00 km to a lakeshore viewing platform. The paved sections are wheelchair-accessible, although in some spots steeply inclined. From the edge of the lake, gaze up its precipitous headwall to a ridge of peaks including Rainy Benchmark and Frisco Mountain. In the bird’s-eye view from the loop trail high above, both of these glacially carved lake basins appear as deep thumbprints in the rugged landscape, especially along the southern edge of the loop that traverses the ridge between them.

    Given the trails’ fantastic views, expect to share them with others, especially on weekends. The trailhead parking area fills fast; if parking out on the shoulder along State Route 20, do so wisely and still be sure to display one of the passes listed at the “Required Pass” link above. Additional parking is available across the highway at the Cutthroat Pass trailhead. Note that the annual winter closure of State Route 20 eliminates access to the trail altogether for several months and that the parking area may be snowed in and inaccessible even after the highway reopens. Except where paved, the loop trail is rocky throughout and moderately steep on its south side; furthermore, snow sometimes lingers on the passes late into the season. Be prepared with traction gear of your choice and check current conditions at the “Additional Trail Info” links above. Along Maple Pass’s treeless (and, curiously, maple-less) ridge, be sure to stay on trails to avoid damaging the fragile alpine flora that cling to life in the harsh environment of high elevation. Plan time to enjoy the views and see how many peaks you can identify — non-essential items you might consider packing on this hike are a camera, binoculars, and a peak identification app!

    Hiked in either direction, the loop begins in dense, dim forest. When hiked clockwise, the first section of the loop and the side trail to Rainy Lake are paved and include several benches and wide turnouts to provide access to a range of hikers. Heather-Maple Pass Loop, Washington.
    Rainy Lake features as both a water’s-edge destination for the side trail below and a bird’s-eye glimpse from the loop trail above. A large lakeshore platform provides accessible viewing. Rainy Lake Trail, Heather-Maple Pass Loop, Washington.
    Mountain views emerge wherever the loop trail clears the forest. Here, the humorously named Crooked Bum overlooks an autumn-tinged meadow. Heather-Maple Pass Loop, Washington.
    Across Rainy Pass from Crooked Bum, Cutthroat Peak (actually multiple peaks on the center left) and Whistler Mountain (center right) command the view. Blue Lake Peak and Posthole Peak rise in the distance beyond.
    Heather-Maple Pass Loop, Washington.
    Look for fungi in various fanciful forms throughout the woodlands along the loop trail and both side trails.
    Lake Ann Trail, Heather-Maple Pass Loop, Washington.
    Lake Ann occupies a deeply delved glacial basin. Similarly sculpted valleys lie below the passes in the crinkled landscape beyond. Here, Heather Pass is visible above as the depression between Crooked Bum’s declining slope on the right and Heather Pass Peak rising moderately in the center right. Maple Pass stretches left of Heather Pass Peak.
    Lake Ann Trail, Heather-Maple Pass Loop, Washington.
    From Heather Pass, the view stretches northward to Blackbeard Peak (shadowed on the left) and, on the horizon from left to right, Vetts Peak, Methow Pinnacles, Mount Hardy, Golden Horn (partially obscured by clouds), and Porcupine Peak. Boot paths below the pass lead to Lewis and Wing lakes lying along the cleverly named Lewing Peak in the midground.
    Heather-Maple Pass Loop, Washington.
    At Maple Pass, Corteo Peak (left) and Black Peak (right) form a dramatic backdrop. Here, the loop trail is visible snaking up the far end of the ridge and traversing the pass toward the foreground. Heather-Maple Pass Loop, Washington.
    Both Heather Pass and Maple Pass gaze back down upon Lake Ann and out to Crooked Bum, Cutthroat Peak, Whistler Mountain, and a panoply of surrounding peaks. Heather-Maple Pass Loop, Washington.

    © 2025 Anthony Colburn. Images may not be used or reproduced in any form without express written consent.

                       

    Comments

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.