Heaven!

Larches are in their golden window and weather was clear and sunny. Could not have asked for more. Some very light snow in places but nothing to worry about. Was a bit chilly/windy at the start but it died down. I’m not sure how much longer the weather will hold so if you are considering this hike now is the time!

Get there EARLY. Parking at Maple Pass Trailhead is a zoo. We left Seattle around 6:30am and still had to park on the highway.

Only obstacle is the usual talus field from the cutoff to Lewis Lake. Follow the cairns and you should be ok but some rocks are loose and there are many cairns so multiple routes across the boulder field. The hike was about 11.5 miles r/t.

The Black Peak scramble is well worth it for the view if you have time, but steep at moments (helmet recommended, as it is a long way down to fall).  

Did and overnight at wing lake. Started out early and arrived at 5pm. Took us about 30 mins to find a spot to spend the night. Place was packed. There was some snow at the lake in places.

By 8:30 on a Saturday cars were lining  Highway 20. In the minutes it took to get ourselves and our gear ready, at least five groups  pulled up behind us. Thanks to the WTA people at the trailhead for welcoming and educating visitors!

Before splitting off toward the lakes, the Heather Maple Pass trail was unsurprisingly busy. By the time we got up to the fork the crowds subsided and the ground had a light dusting of snow. This made the boulder field a little extra treacherous, but not unmanageable. 

Fantastic colors at Lewis Lake. The larches have yet to peak, and were light green to yellow with some golden trees. The temperature dropped as we ascended to Wing Lake. Very cold afternoon and night that seemed to improve by the morning- or maybe we’d adjusted our expectations! Tens of tents at Wing Lake; everyone was respectful but don’t come expecting solitude on a larch-peeping weekend. The area seems fragile and  I’m curious whether there are any plans to add a toilet. Ran into a ranger who said it was unlikely, and that sadly the Forest Service will not be hiring any seasonal employees next year to help with projects like that. 

Glorious sunrise and uneventful trek out. Snow had melted on the trail and talus slope. Finished out the counter clockwise Heather Maple Pass loop because why not? Happy larching!

Went up to climb black peak. Counted 44 tents at this lake. Complete with camera drones, selfie sticks, go pros, and unleashed dogs running everywhere. Would recommend going anywhere else.