Hannegan Pass and Peak — Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024

- 1-night backpacking trip
- Camped at Hannegan camp
- Added a day hike up Hannegan Peak
- Didn’t have a permit, used America the Beautiful Pass
- Mosquito nets: necessary
- No toilet at camp, and wag bags are required
- Water source at camp

Don’t tell Hannegan, but we resorted to this route after realizing Yellow Aster Butte might be too crowded. I’m so glad we did, though.

We arrived at the trailhead at 9am, and we were able to find a spot along the road. When you arrive, there’s a trashcan and a sign to the left for the trail. If you go further down the trail, you’ll find the bathroom. The hike in was pretty moderate with good stretches of shade. The last half mile before Hannegan Camp was hot, steep and hard. We arrived around noon, and there were plenty of spots open. We considered hiking to Boundary Camp but were warned that you need a permit, so we stayed at Hannegan. The flies welcomed us, and we were glad to have mosquito head nets. I was jealous of the person wearing a mosquito shirt, too.

After eating some lunch, we set up camp and then hiked up Hannegan Peak. Along the way we spotted more campsites along the trail. Good to know for next time.

The higher we climbed, the more breezy and less buggy it got. The trail to Hannegan peak switchbacks for most of it and is moderate. Then the last bit gets steep, but it’s manageable (and I’m saying this as someone on the lower end of the hiking ambition spectrum). The climb was definitely worth it for the views of all the peaks, including Mt. Baker and Shuksan. I was amazed by all the gravel that had been laid down. How did they haul all that up there?

Overall, this was a great trip!