Maple Pass Loop
The North Cascades' great loop — four alpine lakes and a larch-filled basin.
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Length
- 7.1 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 1,800 ft
- Duration
- 4–6
- Best Season
- Jul–Oct
- Permit
- Required
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Features
- Alpine lakes, Larches
About the trail
Maple Pass is the loop that defines North Cascades hiking. From the Ross Lake outlet, the trail climbs 1,800 feet through hemlock forest to a pass ringed by jagged peaks, then drops past Lake 22, Sapphire Lake, and the turquoise Maple Pass Lake. In late September and early October, the larches turn gold and the whole basin glows. The route is steady climbing, with a short exposed ledge near the pass.
Trailhead map & directions
Turn-by-turn route
- Park at the Ross Lake Trailhead on the North Cascades Highway (RT-20).
- Cross the bridge over the Skagit River and begin the climb.
- Climb steadily through forest to the Lake 22 junction.
- Continue to Maple Pass and the exposed ledge traverse.
- Loop past Sapphire and Maple Pass Lakes back to the trailhead. Total: 7.1 miles.
Parking
Ross Lake trailhead on RT-20 — Northwest Forest Pass required, lot holds about 60 cars and fills by 8 a.m.
Tips from the trail
- Hike it clockwise for the best views and an easier climb.
- The pass holds snow into July; check the North Cascades radar station.
- Larch season peaks late September — plan the trip around it.
- The ledge near the pass is exposed but has a clear, walkable line.
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