Heather-Maple Pass Loop

Note to any hikers taking on this trail, this is a non-repeating trail meaning it goes in a big loop. The trailhead has 2 trail points of entrance. To the right (the pathway that is not paved) is the counter-clockwise route, a little less steep and more scenic at the start. To the left, the trail takes a steep start all the way to the ridge line. Both starts are beautiful, just depends on your skill level. I will describe the counter-clockwise route which you take the path directly behind fee/ sign-in station. There is a laminated sign on a tree that says Lake Ann/ Maple Pass.

In roughly 1.25 miles after starting there is a trail that branches left to take you to Lake Ann (really beautiful). The trail is 0.6 miles round trip and really stunning (so kind of a no-brainer) and you can also see to where you are heading.

0.75 miles past the Lake Ann detour is when you'll reach Heathers Pass, where you can see Lewis Lake, Wing Lake and Black Peak. Getting back on trail, it goes left on the ridge line and up to Maple Pass (which you will see NCNP signs).

Take in this amazing view at 6,650ft with the Corteo, Frisco, Goode, Stiletto, Black Peak mountains in the background...with the Liberty Bell group even further out. Time for a snack/ lunch or at least more water. Rest and then...

Going back down via the switch-backs is not too bad and first, but the final 2.5 miles is tougher, dropping about 1700ft. in that time. Once you reached the paved road it's only 1 mile back to your car.

Also, if you take highway 20 west after the hike, the Cascade Farm Organic ice cream shack makes the very best chocolate shakes.