The first day, we did a quick 45 minute hike up to Cutthroat Lake (map), which is shallow and filled with mosquitoes. But it has nice views of steep mountains with some snow. We stayed overnight at a little campsite by a creek and hiked back out the next day. The trail extends beyond the lake to connect with the Pacific Crest Trail after ascending a series of switchbacks up a steep slope, but we didn't go that far.
We wanted to save Maple Pass for Sunday, when it would be less busy, so we hiked about 1/2 hour on the Pacific Crest Trail, then veered off on the Copper Creek Trail (map). We didn't have a backcountry pass, so we couldn't continue on the PCT into the Cascade Mountains National Park boundary. We set up camp and rested for the next day's big hike. No views here, but there was a interesting hole in the ground, probably an old mine. Well-rested, we hiked out the next day and drove up to Maple Pass (map).

The hike up Maple Pass (West side) was pretty, especially as you break out of the trees and get a view of the lake, encircled by the ridges. Lots of wildflowers, but hot and no water except for a little stream about 2 hours up. We got to Heather Pass, hot and exhausted, and decided that set up camp on the other side of the pass, with georgeous views to the north and west. We had all afternoon and evening to just sit there and look out at the view.

Next day, we left early and hike the rest of the way up to Maple Pass and along the ridges. Amazing 360 degree views of the mountains all around. This is one of the highest view:effort ratios we've ever seen. Several marmots and chipmunks escorted us along the way. The hike back down was steep and wound through meadows, with a view of a glacier lake, waterfall, and Rainy Lake. 3-1/2 hours and we're at the bottom. Then, it's to Winthrop and real food!
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