The Rugged And Remote Hiking Trail In Washington That Is Well Worth The Effort
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published August 17, 2023
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
This remote trail is located north of Lake Chelan in the North Cascades. The Stehekin community is the closest blip of civilization you'll find nearby and it's only accessible by boat!
Don't let the beauty fool you. In nature, stunning vistas like these often come at the end of a grueling trek. The starting elevation at Maple Pass's trailhead is around 4,630 feet, and hikers will gain 2,000 more over the Loop's seven miles. If you're interested in taking on Maple Pass Loop, prep in advance to enjoy the trail safely.
While the loop welcomes pooches, consider whether your pup is conditioned for the climb before bringing him with you! For many family pets, this hike may be too challenging.
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After a little over a mile meandering through coniferous forests, the trees thin, exposing sprawling alpine views. From late July into September, seasonal wildflowers blanket the surrounding ridgelines.
Hikers wander through these mountain meadows until they reach Heather Pass. Along this stretch of the loop, social trails curl out from the main path. Cross-country hikers and climbers follow these routes to reach Black Peak, Lewis Lake, and Wing Lake. But don't worry. The dramatic views visitors enjoy from Maple Pass Loop will satisfy even the most seasoned adventurer.
Though you may spot a dog or two on Maple Pass Loop, canines aren't the only animals worth looking out for! The Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is home to abundant wildlife. My favorite trail companions are American pikas. These vocal little critters are the alpine biome's busybodies, and from the minute you enter their territory, word of you will spread.
Make no mistake that as you struggle with the altitude, these seasoned mountaineers are commenting on your progress. Though they're permanent fixtures of the Maple Pass ridgelines, pikas are most active in the summer and fall.
The loop's alpine environment is in constant flux. Snow persists at higher elevations all the way through May. In late summer, flowers color the mountain slopes pink and yellow. But the hike may be at its most beautiful in autumn.
That's because of the larches, whose colors change from bright green to deep gold in the fall. While most conifers retain their needles year-round (hence the name "evergreen"), larch needles change color like deciduous leaves and fall off in the winter.
If you’re looking for a remote North Cascades hike, then grab your gear and check out Maple Pass Loop. This gorgeous trail near Stehekin, Washington will stun you with its pristine beauty.
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