Maple Pass Loop Hike

Whenever I go on a hike with my brother Steve I know it's going to involve three things: 1. It will be in the North Cascades, 2. It will be far away and 3. It will have great scenery. Our hike to Maple Pass was no exception. Normally I know about the route before we go, but this time I had no idea where we were going. We started at the Rainy Lake trailhead near Rainy Pass and hiked through the forest along a gently sloping trail. After about a mile we were out in the open with a great view of Lake Ann below us. Ahead we could see Maple Pass with a small peak off of it. Another aspect of Steve's hikes is there's always something to summit and that peak was it. We were soon on the peak and were offered great views of the North Cascades all around us. Larch trees were also around, some of which were turning to their beautiful golden fall color. We weren't initially aware that the trail was a loop, but it continued back around the ridge surrounding Lake Ann. The views on the return trip were even better than the hike up with more Larches to see and a top down view of Rainy Lake and its waterfall. Yet again another good hike with Steve. I'm surprised I never heard of the Maple Pass Loop hike before, it's one of the more spectacular day hikes I've done. I'll have to return in a few years with the kids as it's not difficult and there's lots to see.