The full Copper Loop is now open (it had been closed past Copper Lake due to fires in 2022), and judging by the bootprints, I was one of the first to hike it. I reserved my campsites online. The first day, I hiked to Copper Lake. Views were gorgeous, huckleberries and thimbleberries were abundant, and there were almost no bugs. There was a lot of uphill and stretches of rough rocky trail, so I was pretty tired when I got to Copper Lake. The campsites there were lovely, with excellent flat tentpads, a bear locker, and composting toilet. There are signs for the toilet; the bear locker is on the way there. I was the only one camped there.
Descending from the ridge the next day on the newly opened trail, there are a couple of miles of trail that are overgrown with ferns and huckleberry bushes. It wasn't hard to follow the trail, but it required paying attention. The trail goes through some burned areas, marked by charred tree trunks and abundant new undergrowth. Partway down from the ridge, I came to a section where crews have been clearing the brush and making new treadway. It was an odd sensation, walking on soft, newly disturbed dirt that hasn't been packed down yet by the boots of dozens of hikers.
After descending from the ridge, the trail fords the Chilliwack River, which was mid-shin deep so no problem. The suspension bridge across Indian Creek was high and bouncy, so could be a problem for someone with a bad fear of heights. Crossing back over the Chilliwack River, there's a choice of a ford or a cable car. The cable car was pretty easy to pull across (I didn't have gloves and don't think they're necessary), but would also be difficult for someone who fears heights, so they should probably take the ford.
I camped at US Camp, which has a number of widely spaced sites. There was one other party there, far enough away that I couldn't hear or see them.
On the way out, I ran into a NPS crew that had been doing trail work. I thanked them profusely, of course.
A great hike with amazing scenery. f I were to do it again, I'd take at least four days, not three, and give myself time for side trips up Hannegan Peak and to Egg Lake.
Comments
Tupsod on Copper Ridge Loop
Thanks for this first loop report after reopening! I’ll be hiking the loop in a couple weeks. Could the rivers/creeks all be crossed in croc-type foam clogs? Or do you think more grippy shoes are needed? TIA
Posted by:
Tupsod on Aug 25, 2025 01:13 PM
John McDonald on Copper Ridge Loop
The downstream crossing of the Chilliwack River wasn't very deep or fast when I was there, I think Crocs would be fine, especially if you have poles. I crossed in hiking boots without poles, and I didn't feel unsteady. At the upstream crossing, I took the cable car and didn't look at the ford, but the river didn't have a lot of water in it there and would be fairly easy to ford, I imagine. If you don't want to take the bouncy suspension bridge over Indian Creek, the banks are pretty steep there and the water is fast; crossing without the bridge would be a difficult scramble.
Posted by:
John McDonald on Aug 25, 2025 02:10 PM
Tupsod on Copper Ridge Loop
All good to know—thanks so much.(No idea how my first comment got posted twice)
Posted by:
Tupsod on Aug 26, 2025 06:12 AM