Trip Report
Day Hike - Maple Pass Loop
The trip was very cold and windy but I had a great time! Elevation gain was quite manageable and the scenery was beautiful.
Erin Pena
- Mon, Oct 10, 2016
- Day Hike - Maple Pass Loop
- Maple Pass Loop
- Day Hiking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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It was snowing and had been snowing for a couple days. I had never used microspikes before but they were absolutely necessary for the descent from the ridge. Pretty soon I think the trail will not be visible for the snow. The views, though stunning, are also probably going to be hidden in cloud most of the time.
This is a wonderful medium-difficulty hike. The elevation gain is steady, 1200 feet over 7-ish miles. It took us about 5 hours but we also stopped pretty frequently to take pictures and talk about the geography. The trail was in snow at least a third of the way and microspikes were an absolute necessity. Most of us used walking sticks as well. We came to see the larch in color and we also had some pika sightings! There are two beautiful small lakes along this hike and wonderful views, when the clouds permit.