Was feeling a little crazy today so we decided to go to Maple Pass on a Saturday. We arrived at 7:15 and instead of even checking to see if there was any available parking I just decided to park along the line of other cars. From the car it was only a short quarter mile walk to the trailhead. The trailhead gas 4 bathrooms and even with 4 there was a huge line at every single one. Started the trail of counter clockwise which is the best way to go if you want gradual gain. After the turn off to go to Lewis Lake we got some snow but not enough to put on the spikes. The hike down to Lewis Lake can be a pain in the butt as you’re climbing over boulders looking for the next cairns. The views at Lewis Lake were superb and the clouds made it even more beautiful. The hike from Lewis to Wing Lake is pretty much straight up most of the way and you’re gaining 1,100 feet in a little over a mile. The slog is worth it with the views of Wing Lake with Black Peak in the background. Seemed like a whole community at Wing Lake with all of the campers. The hike back to the pass was long and slow. Once we got back to the pass it was back to seeing the trains of people. The best thing about getting off trail and seeing Lewis and Wing Lake was not having to deal with as many people. Larches are out, some of the fall colors seem like they have faded a bit. Such a beautiful day. Round trip ended up being 13.3 miles and 4,101 feet elevation gain. 

Parking lot was full when I got there around 9:00 on Saturday. It was easy to get a spot along the highway. Just a little extra walk.

Trail was busy on the shared path with Maple Pass loop, but it got significant less traffic at Heather Pass for the turn off to Black Peak. Lots of people came up for camping on Lewis and Wing Lakes.

The bouldering field before Lewis Lake is very fun with a day hike pack. It was quick to go through when it's dry. That wasn't the case last year when it was wet and icy...

The sand fields between Wing Lake and Black Peak is not. It took me forever to go up but surprisingly easy and fast coming down.

Once you near the top, follow the carns to the very end for the safest way. The 360 view was a chef kiss.

Larches are still green. 

Stats: 12.53mi, 4853' to 8952',  elevation gross: +5221'. C2C: ~10hr

Hiked Maple Pass Loop counter-clockwise and camped at Wing Lake for one night. Arrived at the trailhead around 11am - the lot was full and we didn't want to park on SR-20 overnight, so we parked near Cutthroat Pass trailhead. Maple Pass Loop is in excellent condition, and the weather was perfect with very little smoke. 

The trail to Wing Lake is more challenging - it's very easy to lose the trail, and the cairns through the boulder fields are not always helpful. It's a very slow and exhausting 1.4 miles with considerable elevation changes. Plenty of other backpackers/day hikers heading towards Black Peak. We found a good camp spot at Wing Lake around 2pm, and there were plenty more available if you're not too choosy.

We emptied our packs and started up Black Peak. We're not the mountaineering kind, and though the SE route is doable without equipment, we were spooked by the last ~50 feet of ascent towards the saddle. Nothing but dry, loose gravel meant that every single rock is loose, big or small. The ascent is doable enough, but the descent was terrifying in places - nearly vertical, few solid holds, high risk of falling rocks from other hikers. But maybe I'm just not hard core enough. Ultimately, we decided to not push our limits, and we turned around after enjoying the quite worthwhile views from the saddle.

Wow, this location lives up to its hype as a sunrise location.  It was so so as we arrived at dusk but the morning light was amazing.  Easy trail except boulder field which is long, poorly marked and treacherous.  We had easier time seeing bootpath in morning light.  I would not do this in the dark.  The washout crossing is sketchy and someone will likely have a bad day if not careful.  Water at the Lewis lake outlet and up at Wing Lake.  No privy so be prepared (and courteous). Larches will be past peak but waking up under Black Peak with expansive views will still be good.