Lake Ann / Maple Pass Loop Trail #740


This trail offers a challenging loop beginning in a heavily timbered area. The first mile is an easy hike and soon passes through a large avalanche meadow and more timber to junction with the side trail to Lake Ann.  At Heather Pass there is a faint trail leading off towards Lewis lake and a possible side trip for experienced hiker and route finder.  Wildflowers are beautiful in July and August and the fall colors created by golden alpine larch and red huckleberries bushes are spectacular. Snowmelt sometimes lingers into mid July, making it difficult to follow trail. The hike beyond to Heather Pass and Maple Pass is steep, the trail is above tree line in high alpine zone. Maple Pass offers sensational views of surrounding mountain peaks. From the alpine meadows along the ridge top one can sit and enjoy the scenery and a view of both Lake Ann and Rainy Lake.  The trail then descends along a ridge line between Lake Ann and Rainy Lake dropping quickly and steeply into timber (this trail beyond the summit is steep and challenging), the trail then levels out when it junctions with the Rainy Lake trial.  Continue for about 0.25 mile on the paved Rainy Lake trail to return to the trailhead. 

No camping is being permitted within 1/4 mile around Lake Ann or Rainy Lake or along the Heather/Maple Pass Loop Trail.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: For current conditions go to: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices.
Area Amenities: Interpretive Site,Accessible,Fee charged for some activities,Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water,Parking
Fees: Recreation Pass is required at trailhead   ($5/vehicle/day self-pay station is provided for your convenience)  
Open Season: Mid-July
Best Season: August-September
Busiest Season: August-September
Restrictions: No camping is being permitted within 1/4 mile around Lake Ann or Rainy Lake or along the Heather/Maple Pass Loop Trail. Trails closed to pack and saddle stock, motorized and mechanized travel.
Closest Towns: Winthrop, WA
Water: only in summer months
Restroom: Vault Toilet at trailhead
Passes: Recreation Pass is required at trailhead   ($5/vehicle/day self-pay station is provided for your convenience)  
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center: Methow Valley Ranger District

General Information

Directions:

From Winthrop drive State Route 20 west about 35 miles to Rainy Pass rest area on left side of the road. The trail begins 0.25 mile east of the parking lot.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Lake and Pond Fishing

Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:

Lake fishing in Lake Ann. Washington State fishing license is required and all state game laws apply.

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking: See additional information under Backpacking.

Backpacking

Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:

This trail offers a challenging loop beginning in a heavily timbered area, climbing to above timberline, and returning to a timbered area. The first mile is an easy hike with a side trip into Lake Ann. The hike beyond to Heather and Maple Pass is steep, but the views at the highest point on the trail are spectacular. From alpine meadows along the ridge top one can sit and enjoy the scenery and a view of both Lake Ann and Rainy Lake. The trail beyond this summit is steep and challenging. No overnight camping within 0.25 mile of Lake Ann,  Heather Pass or Maple Pass.

Viewing Plants

Recreation areas with activity Viewing Plants:

Wildflowers are beautiful in July and August and the fall colors created by golden alpine larch and red huckleberries bushes are spectacular.

Viewing Scenery

Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery:

Maple Pass offers sensational views of alpine lakes and surrounding mountain peaks.

Interpretive Areas

Recreation areas with activity Interpretive Areas:

Many interpretive signs along the Rainy Lake Trail portion of  the loop route.

Amenities

Interpretive Site: Interpretive signs
Picnic tables: For day use only
Fee charged for some activities: self-pay stations available to purchase recreation pass
Parking: Off highway parking
Toilets: Accessible vault toilets
Accessible: 1 mile paved trail to Rainy Lake, suitable for wheelchairs.
Drinking water: during summer months