Copper Ridge Loop — Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

This hike doesn't disappoint! As noted earlier, plan ahead. The requires a backcountry camping permit and reservations at camping sites. Be sure to check mileage and water sources when planning. Day one: Hannegan Trail Head to Egg Lake approximately 9 miles and 3000 feet elevation gain. There is a gentle climb for almost 4 miles. There were plenty of blooming wild flowers stunning views the Nooksak Ridge and Mount Ruth to distract from the climb in elevation. There is a side hike up to Hannegan Peak at mile 4, but we continued on to Egg Lake. We heard water sources were scarce from this point on and decided to get water from the stream in the basin just before Boundary Camp. There is another water source accessible at Boundary Camp but quite a steep and difficult access point. Egg Lake and Silesia Camps were both equally beautiful. Benefit of Egg Lake is bear containers, water, and toilets. Day two: Egg Lake to Indian Creek Camp approximately 12 miles and 4000 feet of descent. There were so many aspects of this day that were brutal and amazing. We had 360 degree views from the lookout and quite a nice park ranger to test our peak knowledge. From the lookout we descended into the beautiful Copper Lake and took a quick break and filtered water. There is another source just past the lake at the small falls. At about 5 miles from Egg Lake or 4700 feet in elevation we were scrambling and climbing over about a dozen downed trees. From there we finally made it to the Chiliwack river and located Indian Creek. The ford area and trail is marked by pink ribbon. Trekking poles and Keens were helpful. One of the highlights of this day was the 50 plus beautiful red spawning salmon near the log crossing. It was quite an amazing site. We talked to a fellow hiker the next day who videoed a bear in this area 2 hours prior to our crossing. By this point we were ready to relax at Indian Camp. Day 3: Indian Creek Camp to Hannegan Trail Head approximately 15 miles. Once leaving Indian Creek we were scrambling and climbing several downed trees and crossed a wonderful suspension bridge. At mile 3.5 you can choose to ford the river or take the upper trail and use the hand pulled cable car. This was another highlight for this hike. Once out of the trees, it was nice to see the mountain views again. This was an amazing hike with so many wonderful and original facets with spectacular views. My favorites were the fire lookout, spawning salmon, hand pulled cable car.