Hiked up to Hannegan Pass and Hannegan Peak last week on 7/16 for a one nighter. Trail is completely snow free and in great shape. The road has some pretty big potholes, but is overall in good shape. There was no water for the first 2 miles or so of trail, but the trail passes a few streams from the 2 mile mark to the campground on the west side of the pass (before you enter the national park) at just past 4 miles from the trailhead. I don't know if these trailside streams would be reliable in late August as they were all fairly small, but the Hannegan Pass campground has reliable water. The campground itself was nice and uncrowded mid-week. There are maybe 8 sites or so that we saw--possibly more. They are spread out nicely so walk around a bit to find a good one. Permits are not required to camp at Hannegan Pass camp, but are required on the east side of the pass in North Cascades National Park.
Two things to watch out for with this hike: the bugs were out in force. Saw a few mosquitos and a TON of biting flies. I must have had over 50 bites, literally. They were biting me through my shirt and there was no way around it. The bugs really settled down once it got dark and then it was perfectly peaceful, but around sunset and sunrise they were unavoidable. I wish I had treated my clothing with permethrin, and I was very glad to have a bug net.
The other thing to look out for is exposure. It was hot when we started our hike at about 3pm. In the afternoon, most of the trail up to the pass is very exposed. The last mile or so is forested, but the first 3 miles lack shade and at times water, so it is hot. Hiking out in the early morning it was cool and the trail was not in the direct sun, so that was refreshing. But the afternoon hike to the pass was very hot. Bring lots of water and take breaks if it's a hot day.
Overall this was an incredible one-nighter with no permits required! I can't wait to come back and hike out to Copper Ridge.
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