🍂🏔️ MAPLE PASS LOOP + WING LAKE — GOLDEN LARCH MADNESS! 🏔️🍂

🍂🏔️ **MAPLE PASS LOOP + WING LAKE — GOLDEN LARCH MADNESS!** 🏔️🍂 It's larch season in the North Cascades! Get ready for a spectacular fall adventure through golden alpine forests, dramatic mountain ridges, turquoise lakes, and jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks. 🍁✨ We'll hike the iconic Maple Pass Loop and venture toward Wing Lake for even more alpine scenery. Expect golden larches glowing against rugged gray peaks, incredible photo opportunities, and views that make every uphill step worthwhile! But this isn't just a leisurely fall foliage stroll. 😈 With **20 km of hiking and 1,300 m of elevation gain**, this is a demanding full-day adventure. The Wing Lake extension adds steep, rocky talus terrain, so come prepared for a serious workout! 🗺️ **Trail Link** • 🔗 **AllTrails:** [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/copy-maple-pass-loop-wing-lake-larch-hike-05132da](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/copy-maple-pass-loop-wing-lake-larch-hike-05132da) 📌 **Hike Overview** • 🥾 **Difficulty:** Hard / Strenuous • 📏 **Distance:** \~12.4 miles round trip • ⛰️ **Elevation Gain:** \~4,265 ft • ⏱️ **Estimated Hiking Time:** \~8–9 hours, including breaks and photos • 🍂 **Highlights:** Golden alpine larches, Maple Pass ridgeline, Wing Lake, dramatic North Cascades peaks • 🪨 **Terrain:** Steep forest trails, exposed ridges, rocky sections, and talus near Wing Lake • 🏔️ **Best Part:** Incredible fall colors and panoramic mountain views!