Trip Date: September 27-29, 2020
Black Peak Climbing Trip & Maple Pass Loop
Maple Pass
Heather Pass
Lewis Lake
Wing Lake
Black Peak (8970/8986 ft)
Trip Report Summary
Region: Northeastern Washington Cascades
Sub-Region: Ragged Range
Area: North Cascades Scenic Highway Corridor
Starting & Ending Point: Heather Pass / Lake Ann / Rainy Lake Trailhead on Highway 20 (Elev. 4850 feet)
Way Points: Rainy-Ann Ridge shoulder & Frisco Ridge crest & Maple Pass & Heather Pass & Lewis Lake & Lewis Lake Knoll & Heather Pass & Lake Ann Trail junction (trail hike & off-trail hike)
High Point: Frisco Ridge (Elev. 6960 feet)
Campsite: Lewis Lake Knoll (Elev. 5800 feet)
Sidetrip: Wing Lake (trail hike & off-trail hike)
Summit: Black Peak (rock scramble & snow climb via Southeast Couloir—Southwest Chute—South Ledges—East Slot)
Approximate Stats (excluding summit sidetrip): 8.7 miles traveled; 3000 feet gained & lost.
Approximate Stats (including summit sidetrip): 13.5 miles traveled; 6500 feet gained & lost.
Related Posts
>>> Black Peak via South Side + Corteo Peak via Southwest Ridge – August 2017
>>> Black Peak via Southeast Couloir—Southwest Ridge – October 1994
Full Trip Report
When we saw a bluebird forecast immediately following the first snowfall of the season, Eileen, Brooke, and I took the opportunity to combine a hike of the uber-popular Maple Pass Loop with a climb of equally popular Black Peak. It proved to be a winning combination.
Day 1: Trailhead to Maple Pass to Lewis Lake
We arrived at the Heather Pass / Lake Ann / Rainy Lake parking lot on a cloudy Sunday morning. Although cars were spilling out of the lot and lined up on both sides of Highway 20, we were fortunate to nab a spot close to the trailhead. I knew this was a popular hiking destination, but the number of cars here really seemed absurd! Yet, I had no right to complain; we were certainly a part of the problem.
We headed out on the Maple Pass Loop Trail, following a clockwise route up Rainy-Ann Ridge to Maple Pass. Several hundred day-hikers were coming down the opposite direction, which somewhat hindered steady progress. The autumn foliage and larch trees appeared to be shy of full color, but the whole scene was enhanced by a skiff of fresh snow on all the surrounding peaks.
After crossing over Maple Pass, we descended to Heather Pass, then turned off on a side trail heading toward Lewis and Wing Lakes.
We arrived at Lewis Lake in late afternoon and made camp on a woodsy knoll overlooking the opaque water. There was only one other party camped near the lake.
Day 2: Black Peak Summit Climb
We awoke to a strikingly blue and cloudless sky. It looked like a stellar day for climbing, but the fresh snow covering Black Peak gave me doubts about our chances of success.
We followed a well-beaten path around Lewis Lake and up to Wing Lake (1.4 hours + 1200 feet from camp). The glassy water surface, golden larch trees, and fresh snow here created a beautiful image. With warm sun beating down, Brooke couldn’t resist the urge to wade in.
Continuing past Wing Lake, we ascended a broad couloir on Black Peak’s southeastern flank. This couloir was filled with snow but the margins were mostly bare.
Upon reaching the top of the couloir, we were presented with a fabulous view of rugged, snow-dusted mountains in all directions. Brooke had never really seen the North Cascades before, so she was understandably astounded. Even old-timers like Eileen and me were awestruck.
We rounded a corner to the southwestern side of the mountain and scrambled up a rocky chute. This led to a high shoulder with even more views.
We traversed across the south face on a broad, snowy ledge, then booted up a short slot that deposited us at the base of the summit block.
In order to safely scramble up the final 35 feet of wet and snow-covered Class 3+ rock, we used our panic rope as a handline. By 3:00pm (5.4 hours + 3300 feet from camp), we were all sitting on the lofty summit.
After a careful down-climb of the summit block, we retraced our route back to Wing Lake. It was surprising to see ski tracks in the snow-filled couloir—no doubt carved by some desperate turns-all-year skier who didn’t worry about hitting rocks.
We passed Wing Lake as the last rays of sun were hitting the high peaks, then hustled down the path to Lewis Lake and arrived in camp minutes after dark (3.9 hours + 200 feet from summit).
Day 3: Lewis Lake to Trailhead
Alpenglow was highlighting Black Peak when we awoke at 6:30am and packed up camp. It was shaping up to be another bluebird day in the mountains.
We hiked back to Heather Pass and then continued our clockwise loop on the Maple Pass Trail. Because this was a Monday morning, I expected to see very few people, but it seemed more like a weekend. Upon reaching the trailhead (2.4 hours + 500 feet from camp), we were shocked to find that the parking lot was again completely full, with cars lining the access road and spilling onto the shoulders of Highway 20. Apparently, the strong attraction of the Maple Pass Loop does not discriminate against weekdays.
Route Map & Profile
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Photo Gallery
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