![]() ![]() Washington is an outrageously beautiful place. Heather Pass fork right for meadow stroll, sweet campsites and rocky traverse to Lewis Lake.Įnd of maintained trail option to traverse rockfall to Lewis Lake.What are some of the most popular scenic hikes in Washington? Snow and ice covered peaks present themselves across the miles, to name a few: Gunsight, Sinister, Dome, and Spire.īelow these two prominent peaks is the Maple Creek drainage.Ĭorteo Peak, and Black Peak are easily viewed along this portion of the trail, as the ridge is clear and exposed.įrom this point, on the other side of the bowl, you can see across to Cutthroat Peak, Whistler Mountain, and beyond.Īt this last saddle before heading down, the trail zig-zags downhill below your feet, across a narrow ridge, and grassy fields.Įarly snowfall dusts Frisco Mountain, that sits above Rainy Lake. Can barely see the trail running along the lower side of peak to left of lake. Views back towards Lake Ann, and trail head. Trail veers off from main trail here, and wanders across this meadow, to trail that leads to Lewis Lake.īlack Peak dominates the view here above Lewis Lake.įall colors are spectacular, the reds and gold of fall foliage stand out along the trail. That peak that is visible the trail goes up and over the top.įall colors present on trail as you head by Lake Ann. Views are spectacular once you leave tree line, Lake Ann and it’s surrounding bowl. Optional: Turn right on the paved path to visit Rainy Lake. Turn left here to complete the loop back to the parking lot. Stop on the saddle below Frisco Mountain for more views.įrom this point high on the ridgeline, you can see Rainy Lake and the waterfall that feeds it. Several trails descend to Maple Creek below. Take in views of meadows on Heather Pass and the surrounding peaks and mountains that rise around the trail.Ĭrest a saddle, then turn left stay on the ridgeline. Stay right to start the counterclockwise loop to Lake Ann on Trail #740. The route begins at the Rainy Pass trailhead. ![]() Continue the switchback descent to the final junction at mile 6. (Look to your right for Lyall Glacier, which sits at the foot of Frisco Mountain.) After crossing the grassy ridgeline, the path drops toward treeline and the spine of the ridge narrows considerably, giving you a sense of vertigo. Continue following the main ridgeline trail (several trails diverge along this stretch).Īt mile 3.7, crest a 6,967-foot pass before following the zigzagging trail downhill. Looking back the direction you came, you’ll see Whistler Mountain, Cutthroat Peak, Lewis Lake at the base of Black Peak, and the small meadow on Heather Pass (highlighted by the red and gold of the fall colors).įrom here, the trail traverses more high-country meadows that dot the top of the cirque to an unnamed saddle, which overlooks the eastern face of Corteo Peak and distant glacier covered peaks. ![]() Stay straight on the trail and continue to a viewpoint. In the distance, you can see the top of Corteo Peak poking above the ridgeline.Ĭontinue the steady climb to another trail junction that leads to Heather Pass. Larch lines the opposite walls of the bowl, and there is an abundance of huckleberry brush clinging to the slopes, creating a blast of color during fall. Just past this junction, the route travels above treeline for five-star views of Lake Ann and the peaks and ridges that encircle it. The trail climbs through forest to a trail junction near Lake Ann stay right here, or bear left to visit Lake Ann. Start at the Rainy Pass parking lot, and go counterclockwise on Trail #740 to Lake Ann. In 6.5 miles, you’ll hike past views of steep granite peaks that jut into the sky, golden larch (in fall), red and purple huckleberry brush backdropped by white and dark granite, and scenic alpine lakes. This moderate dayhike in the North Cascades offers a visual feast of colors and dramatic landscapes. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! ![]()
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