Summary
We completed the loop in three full days, two nights. Incredible views, beautiful wildflowers in bloom, and great trail conditions. That said, it was challenging to complete in 3 days—I would describe our group as morderate-to-experienced backpackers at active fitness levels. Snow was melting fast and generally easy to cross, with a few tricky sections after Copper Lookout. Would recommend trekking poles for the next few days or calling the ranger station before you head out. (We called the ranger station to get our permits via email since the station in Glacier is closed. She gave us some helpful information on trail conditions.)
We were out Thursday-Saturday and encountered very few groups Thursday/Friday. The hike out on Saturday made it clear that this is a popular day hike up to the Pass. Most people wore masks and kept distance, but we were still surprised how many people did not make an effort to mask up.
Trip Report by Day
Day 1: From Hannegan Pass TH we hiked 8.2 miles to Silesia Camp. This section of trail was hot (exposed) with little wind/air flow. Wildflowers in bloom made it enjoyable though. After setting up camp at Silesia (I can see why this is one of the best sites in the park!), we hiked down to Egg Lake. Back at camp, we had a clear night and enjoyed the scenery from behind our bug nets. (Bugs were annoying but not unbearable.)
Day 2: 11.5 miles from Silesia to Indian Creek Camp. The first part of this section is on the ridge and the views from Copper Lookout are incredible. Intermittent snow crossings require a bit of trail finding, especially right after leaving the lookout. We stopped at Copper Lake for a few minutes, but kept moving due to bugs. Note that the WTA trail description is fairly lacking between Copper Lake and the descent to the Chilliwack River crossing. A few additional notes not mentioned:
- The waterfall 0.5 miles from Copper Lake is a bit challenging to cross, though it is probably lower flow as the season goes on.
- After the waterfall, you still have some climbing to do (~2.5 miles) before the descent down to the Chilliwack crossing.
- The switchbacks down to the crossing are mentally draining more than anything. We had heard this from other hikers, but it is a long slog down. Huckleberries treats along the way made it somewhat bearable (uhh..berry-ble?!).
- Once we got down, there were two crossings. One was about ankle deep and the main crossing was about thigh deep (for a ~5'6'' person). The current was strong in the afternoon. Trekking poles or cyclist-strength leg muscles recommended.
Day 3: Indian Creek to Hannegan Pass TH ~14.6 miles. When we called the ranger she mentioned this was a 17-mile section. We didn't have a GPS, but we think it was closer to 14.6 based on mile markers and what we know about our average MPH. There is a suspension bridge and cable car for the two major crossings, so no fording required unless you do not take the cable car option. Cable car was fun and easy to use.
The trail is brushy but easy to follow—would recommend wearing pants for the section between Indian Creek and Copper Creek. Our group cruised through to Copper Creek on the rolling trail, since we knew the middle section would be tough. We climbed up to Boundary Camp then Hannegan Pass, and the biting flies kept us moving. Then down to the trailhead to finish a challenging but manageable day if you start early. For reference, it took us ~8 hours with breaks.
Conclusion
While a loop is mentally satisfying, the out-and-back between Hannegan Pass and Copper Lake is the most scenic part. Unless you are looking for what creekside camps and trails have to offer, our group agreed that it was better to stick with the ridge. We thoroughly enjoyed this trip and can't wait to return!
Comments