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A route through sweeping valleys to epic views of craggy North Cascade peaks.


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Map Key

11.8

Miles

19.0

KM

Point to Point

5,046' 1,538 m

High

2,555' 779 m

Low

2,427' 740 m

Up

2,831' 863 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Backcountry permits are required for camping in North Cascades National Park. Stop by a ranger station to reserve one.

A valid Recreation Pass is required for vehicles at the trailhead.

Description

The trail starts at the Hannegan Campground. The route follows the Ruth Creek Valley through a second-growth forest, which then opens to sweeping views of the local craggy peaks. After a relatively flat first mile, views start to open up to Ruth Mountain as the trail passes through avalanche shoots. In early summer, waterfalls cascade down the steep cliffs of Mt. Sefrit and Nooksack Ridge.

The trail climbs gently for the next 2.5 miles towards Hannegan Pass. A half mile below the pass, a spur to the right leads to Hannegan Camp. Continue to the left up steep switchbacks through a sub-alpine forest.

At the pass, the Hannegan Peak Trail ascends steeply to the left and an unmaintained mountaineering route leaves to the right towards Ruth Mountain and Icy Peak. Continue straight, descending into the North Cascades National Park one mile from Hannegan Pass. The popular Copper Ridge Trail leaves to left adjacent to the Boundary Campsite Spur.

Leaving behind most people, the trail switchbacks steeply down through a lush forest following the Chilliwack River. The trail passes over the roaring Copper Creek at 7.3 miles and passes Copper Creek Campground. The trail becomes a more gentle descent following the Chilliwack River Valley.

At US Cabin Camp, the trail opens up, passing through large avalanche shoots before crossing the Chiliwack River at 11 miles. The route then gently climbs to the intersection with the Brush Creek Trail and Chilliwack Trail which lead to Whatcom Pass, Easy Ridge, and eventually Ross Lake.

Contacts

Shared By:

Sarah Baker

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 4 votes

#8176

Overall
  4.5 from 4 votes
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Trail Rankings

#352

in Washington

#8,176

Overall
4 Views Last Month
3,129 Since Jan 29, 2017
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Photos

Almost back to the trailhead.
Jul 23, 2021 near Peacefu…, WA
Crossing Brush Creek can be an adventure.
Feb 6, 2017 near Diablo, WA
Working our way up one of the many switchbacks on Hannegan Pass Trail.
Jan 25, 2016 near Peacefu…, WA
Hells Gorge on Hannegan Pass Trail.
Jan 25, 2016 near Peacefu…, WA
Approaching the top of Hannegan Pass.
Jan 25, 2016 near Peacefu…, WA
Early Spring run up Hannegan Trail
Apr 27, 2015 near Peacefu…, WA

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Mar 30, 2019
Brett Blouin
Apr 16, 2018
Diane Pham
11.8mi
Sep 14, 2016
Captain Cosmonaut
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