Had to take another day trip out to the North Cascades. We started the hike counter clockwise which is usually the most popular because it’s more gradual elevation. Once we saw the turn off for Heather Meadows we took that turnoff and made our way for Lewis and Wing Lake. The hike to Lewis Lake starts out through an open meadow with not much elevation gain. Shortly after you hit a boulder field which starts to get a little tricky. You can look for cairns but the best thing to do is stay to the right when you’re going down to Lewis Lake. Scrambling continued for about a mile and then eventually we arrived at the lake. Lewis Lake was beautiful and we were the only ones there. After Lewis Lake it is about another 1.3 push very steep and rocky. Wing Lake was very beautiful as well, really nice views of Black Peak. We considered going to Black Peak but today just wasn’t the day. After a nice break at Wing Lake we made our way back down to Lewis Lake and then back up the boulder field to the Maple Pass trail. Once you get back on the main trail it is a gradual climb up to the top of the pass. Weather was clear and perfect. Took us a little under an hour to get down to the bottom from the top. Round trip was 13.1 miles and 4100 feet elevation gain! This is the route less traveled by which is very surprising with how busy...
Read moreEasily one of the top PNW hikes in Autumn. The larches are incredible. Do this on a weekday if possible to beat the crowds. We did the loop counterclockwise and I'm glad we did. Started at 2pm and reached the top at 5pm (taking our time). It was perfect timing with the sunset painting the mountain and rays breaking through the clouds. Words really can't do this...
Read moreWow. This is a must for nature lovers for love a good hike. It's definitely considered a harder hike considering the elevation gains and altitude, but totally worth it! There were quite a bit of bugs and mosquitoes when we went in early August but just wear long sleep and carry bug spray.
It was quite busy on a Sunday so go early and...
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