Copper Ridge Loop — Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2015

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Picked up backcountry permit at Glacier Public Service Center. If you're going past Hannegan Camps, a backcountry permit is required. Gal in the office told me that they had received reports of snow at 4000 ft. A couple gnarly potholes in the road as per usual, I drive a pretty low clearance Subie but it was alright. There were a few cars in the parking lot, a gentleman camping on the river as well. Easy, easy hiking up until Hannegan Camps. Trail begins to switchback up to the treeline that is Hannegan Pass. A very cloudy day so views of Ruth Mountain were minimal. Don't trip over the U.S. Geological Survey marker in the ground like I did! Very steep descent into the valley (try not to think about hiking back) where you will come to Boundary Camp. Fill water bottles at the small creek/waterfall you pass before you get to Boundary Camp. Nice little camps, utilize the bear can! Rain, rain, rain throughout the night and morning. Left camp around 10:30 and began the gruelling but seemingly short 3 mile trek to Egg Lake Camp. Icy blue water in a well protected valley. Wonderful camps with spectacular views. The campsite with the best view is right next to the bear can, I walked right past it and camped on the other side of the lake, but this side you get views of the lake and the valley beyond. Pack out your toilet paper!! Set up camp in order to lighten my load and set off for the fire lookout around 1:30. There is a fork when you come to the Egg Lake sign post, just continue straight on the trail. Craig Romano says that the fire lookout is 1.5 miles away from Egg Lake. I think not. Took me a good hour and a half to traverse what ended up being 3 different mounts. Mentioned this to the forest ranger who was manning the fire lookout and she laughed, saying, 'Yeah those mileages are completely made up. They just kind of write whatever." Wasn't much to see. Friggen pea soup. A hoary marmot posed very well for me though! (See picture) Made my descent and was back to camp within an hour. More rain. Hip cramped up. Was much colder at Egg Lake than it was at Boundary. Left camp around 8:30 in the morning, hiked past a few parties, (biggest smile on my face after not really talking to anyone for three days), an older couple warned me of a bear they heard a while back. I got within eye sight of the parking lot and nearly walked right into a black bear. Clapped my hands and said "Hey baby let's go back up that hill!" He/she ran up the trail and then disappeared into the bushes. Back to the car around 1:30. A wonderful hike. Looking forward to maybe doing it this summer when the mountains would be visible.