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Day 119 - North Cascades Maple Pass

The Maple Pass Loop, a high alpine ridgewalk loop hike would be my last stop in the North Cascades. On my way there I passed another scenic lake, Ross Lake and toured its massive honeycomb patterned dam. 

The Maple Pass Loop started at Rainy Pass and went up to two other named passes. Here was the view out to a glacial lake at the first pass. 

This portrait captures the loop, starting from the left beyond Lake Ann, then circling the ridge, to a high crest to the right of my location, then heading down the far right slope to Rainy Lake, then home. 

Here I am starting my descent down: hill conquered!

Once down, I drove east to Washington Pass, a gorgeous pass with the Liberty Bell mountain shining proudly. 

Continuing on past full campgrounds:( I drove through lovely colored valleys filled with farms and life. Then I saw a sign for a Blues Featival, the Winthrop Rhythem and Blues Festival to be exact. I had wanted to go to a festival!  $10 for the first night included parking (aka camping for me). The first two acts were great fun, filthy electric guitar then funky big band. A perfect end to a great Cascades week. 

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