Maple Pass Loop

RAINY PASS AREA HIGHWAY 20

Miles: 7 miles roundtrip

Elevation: 2,000 feet gained

To read about our adventure on this hike CLICK HERE

To see more pictures of this hike CLICK HERE

Take the Rainy Lake Trail for a half of a mile and find a junction with Maple Pass Trail on the right heading uphill. The path switchbacks continuously, but also gradually through the forest, following a ridge line even through the trees. Make sure to capture views from above of both Rainy Lake and Lake Ann on either side of the ridge. eventually reach open meadows just before Maple Pass. Follow the loop down the ridge to Heather Pass, staying in open country. Continue on the path down to a junction with the Lake Ann Trail, just after reentering the forest. A half of a mile roundtrip spur that is well worth it. One more mile back down to the parking lot mostly in the trees.

Get there: From I-5 take Highway 20 east past Marblemount and follow past Diablo Lake. This hike starts at Rainy Pass on the right side, or south side, of the highway. This is the parking lot for the Pacific Crest Trail as well, and therefore has a lot of parking spaces and is equipped with a restroom.