Copper Ridge Loop — Sunday, Jul. 21, 2019

Did the Copper Ridge Loop clockwise from 7/21-7/23. This trail is in great condition with a little bit of overgrowth along the Chilliwack River section, but nothing that is difficult to pass through. Despite a few spots of snow near the lookout, there aren't any fields to cross to stay on the trail and I wouldn't be surprised if even that snow is melted out within the next few days.

More details about each day of the trip:

Day 1: Hannegan Pass TH to Copper Lake Camp

There are ample streams to get water on the way up to Hannegan Pass. After that, your water sources are an unmarked but robust stream on the other side of Hannegan Pass (after the switchbacks into the basin in the exposed, rocky area) or at Boundary Camp until you reach Egg Lake. The climb up to Silesia Camp and the lookout is quite exposed and hot, which can make the climbing slow going in the heat of midday.

The views from the lookout are killer and we spent a good chunk of time here before the quick descent to Copper Lake. There is a composting toilet and a bear bin at Copper Lake. After Copper Lake, the water sources become frequent and reliable again for the rest of the loop.

Day 2: Copper Lake to Copper Creek Camp

The Chilliwack River fords are fairly low (nothing more than mid-calf) and easy. There is an amazing little riverside beach at the second ford (near the Indian Creek Camp side) where you can sit in the sun, eat some food, and rest your feet in the cold water. The trail is mostly flat to U.S. Cabin camp from the river fords and the miles went by quickly.

At Copper Creek Camp there is a surprisingly clean pit toilet and plenty of trees for hanging food. I left some clothes outside the tent at night to dry and a critter ate some holes in my shirt--careful with your belongings!

Day 3: Copper Creek Camp to Hannegan Pass TH

After a gentle ascent into Boundary Camp from Copper Creek, this day was spent mostly retracing our steps back to Hannegan Pass and the TH. Not much new to note here except that we spotted a brown bear on the hillside about a mile after crossing Hannegan Pass.