Hike of the Week: Copper Ridge Loop

Welcome to Paria's Hike of the Week

This weekly series highlights an outstanding day hike or backpacking trip. We want to inspire you to get out and see these places for yourself. For us, seeing amazing photos and reading about a great hike are enough to get us motivated!

This week's hike is the Copper Ridge Loop in Washington’s North Cascades National Park.

Featured Photo: Sunset on Copper Ridge (photo by Andy Porter)

Why This Hike?

The Copper Ridge Loop is one of the most visually striking and rewarding backpacking loops in the North Cascades, featuring dramatic ridgelines, alpine lakes, panoramic fire lookout views, and deep, forested valleys. This loop offers a balance of challenge and accessibility for experienced hikers looking to spend several days immersed in one of the most rugged and remote wilderness areas in the continental U.S.

Distance: ~34 miles (loop)
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: ~8,000 feet
Best Time to Visit: Mid-July through September
Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
Highlights: Copper Ridge Lookout, Egg Lake, views of Mount Shuksan and Ruth Mountain, old-growth forest, wildlife

Note: This loop traverses steep terrain and remote backcountry. Solid navigation and backcountry skills are important, and hikers should prepare for potential bear encounters. Snow can linger into mid-July.

How Do I Get There?

The hike begins at the Hannegan Pass Trailhead, located at the end of Forest Road 32 (Hannegan Pass Road). This gravel road has potholes and some washboarding but is typically passable by most vehicles. A Northwest Forest Pass or National Park Pass is required for parking.

Closest International Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), about 3 hours (140 miles) from the trailhead.

Driving Directions: From Bellingham, WA, head east on WA-542 (Mount Baker Highway) for approximately 46 miles. Turn left onto Hannegan Pass Road (NF-32) and continue for 5.3 miles to the trailhead parking lot. There is a large lot, but it can fill quickly during summer weekends—arrive early to secure a spot.

Trailhead Coordinates: 48.9447° N, 121.6124° W

Map of Recommended Route

The following map outlines our recommended route. Click the "Load Interactive Map" button to load the correct map. Once loaded, you can navigate along the route and view recommended campsites.

For even more detailed mapping, including being able to print a copy for yourself, click the "Open in CalTopo" button at the top of the map once it's loaded into view.

The following are our recommended campsites for a clockwise itinerary:

Day 1: Hannegan Pass Trailhead to Egg Lake (~10.3 miles)
Day 2: Egg Lake to Indian Creek Camp (~12.8 miles)
Day 3: Indian Creek Camp to Hannegan Pass Trailhead (~11 miles)

Some hikers choose to travel counter-clockwise. While the ascent to Copper Ridge will be steeper in that direction, it offers a more gradual climb on the final day and may ease the early strain on knees and ankles.

Trail Description

Day 1: Hannegan Pass Trailhead to Egg Lake

The journey begins with a gradual climb through lush forest toward Hannegan Pass. This section features wildflowers, waterfalls, and views of Ruth Mountain. After reaching the pass, you'll drop briefly before ascending again along the Copper Ridge Trail. Views open up as you follow the exposed ridge, with Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker dominating the skyline. Egg Lake is a scenic and sheltered spot for your first night. While the site has reliable water, adjacent Silesia Camp does not—plan accordingly.

Day 2: Egg Lake to Indian Creek Camp

After enjoying sunrise views from Copper Ridge, continue past the historic Copper Ridge Lookout. Expect jaw-dropping vistas of valleys and glacier-capped peaks. The trail soon descends steeply into the forest toward the Chilliwack River. Cross the river via a cable car (a unique and fun experience, but it may take effort to pull yourself across). Indian Creek Camp is a peaceful, wooded site near the river. Bears are commonly seen in this area, so be vigilant with food storage and follow posted guidance.

Day 3: Indian Creek Camp to Hannegan Pass Trailhead

This final day involves a long but steady climb out of the Chilliwack drainage. The trail winds through cedar and fir forests, with occasional creek crossings and chances to spot marmots. Though less dramatic than the alpine scenery, this section offers solitude and tranquility. You'll reconnect with the Hannegan Pass Trail and descend back to the trailhead. Watch for lingering snow patches early in the season, especially near the pass.

What Will I Need?

This is a rugged and remote loop, so gear choice is critical. A Bryce tent offers excellent weather protection while keeping your pack weight down—a must for long climbs like Copper Ridge.

The lighter pack weight and free-standing design of the Bryce backpacking tent makes it a good option for the high alpine areas along the Copper Ridge.

Shop Now

Nights can dip into the 30s, so a Thermodown 15 Down Quilt and Recharge UL Sleeping Pad ensure warmth and comfort. The rocky and steep terrain—especially near the ridge and during river descent—makes trekking poles invaluable for stability. You'll also want a 2L Squeeze Water Filter System as water is plentiful but untreated. In addition, pack a bear spray, rain gear, a GPS or map, and microspikes if traveling in early season. Consider a satellite communicator—cell service is unreliable throughout the loop.

If there's anything else you need to complete your pack, visit our full line of high-quality, affordable backpacking gear.

Shop Backpacking Tents
Shop Ultralight Tarps
Shop Backpacking Quilts
Shop Down Sleeping Bags
Shop Insulated Sleeping Pads
Shop Backpacking Pillow
Shop Folding Trekking Poles
Shop Titanium Cookware
Shop Tent and Tarp Accessories

Finally, to make sure you don't forget something at home, use our Ultimate Backpacker's Packing List. It even includes a convenient printable checklist!

Do I Need a Permit?

Yes. A backcountry permit is required for all overnight travel in North Cascades National Park. Permits can be reserved in advance on Recreation.gov or obtained in person on a first-come-first-served basis at the Marblemount Wilderness Information Center. Walk-up permits are competitive during peak season—arriving before 5:30 AM is recommended to secure your preferred camps. Bear canisters are required and may be borrowed from the ranger station. Fires are prohibited throughout the loop, and Leave No Trace principles must be followed strictly.

Resources

North Cascades NP Backcountry Permits

Conclusion

The Copper Ridge Loop is a challenging but awe-inspiring adventure into the heart of the North Cascades. From ridge-top views to river valleys, fire lookouts to forested camps, this trail showcases the full breadth of the park’s rugged beauty. Pack smart, get your permits early, and enjoy every step of one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier backpacking experiences. Have you explored Copper Ridge? Share your favorite memories or tips in the comments below!