Before you attempt to find this cache, it's a good idea to read up on the area and this particular hike. You can find this hike in, "100 Hikes in the North Cascades." Look up Lk. Ann. The map I use is a 15 minute series map by Green Trails. It's called Mt. Shuksan, WA - No 14. This is a late summer cache, August through September.
You will need to stop at the Glacier Park Service Center, located at N 48°53.302, W 121°56.288, for a $5 vehicle parking day pass. You can also get current info about the trail and some assistance in getting to the trailhead from the ranger while there.
Drive to the trail head at N 48°50.983, W 121°41.174. It's paved the whole way, and it's a very scenic drive. If you have time, drive to the end of the road and check out table mountain and the inerpretive trail at Artist Pt.
This is some of what 100 hikes in the North Cascades has to say. "When North Cascades climbers and hikers compare memories of favorite sitting-and-looking places, Lake Ann always gets fond mention. The Mt. Shuksan seen from here is quite different from the world-famous roadside view, yet the 4500-foot rise of glaciers and cliffs is a least as grand. And there is plenty to do."
Round trip to Lake Ann is 8 miles. The guide book says hiking time is 6-8 hours. It took Evenergy and I a little over 2 hours to get there and about 2:30 to get back. The guide book says it's about 1000' elevation gain in and about 1000' out. My gps said 4772' at the trail head, 3959' at the low pt. and 5043' at the cache.
Evenergy and I were amazed at the scenic beauty on the trail. There are beautiful meadows with wonderful therapeutic sounding creeks, clumps of Christmas tree size mountain hemlocks, waterfalls, moraines and ice-plucked buttresses through the valley along the way. We happened to come across wild salmon berries and blue berries. I have never seen both ripe at the same time. We took salmon berries, stuffed 3-4 blue berries inside and popped them into our mouths. Now that was truely a succulent treat.
The cache is a 6x6x2" rubbermaid container with a white lid. It has the standard log book and a few small goodies. Enjoy.