Copper Ridge Loop — Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022

Multi-night backpack entering the trail on 8/20/22. We went the clockwise direction of the loop, staying the first night at Boundary Camp. The trail to Hannegan Pass was pretty exposed to full sun and thus dry and VERY hot. Luckily, there were some small streams dunk your head under to cool off or refill water, starting at about 2 miles in. Lots of biting flies on the trail when we entered. The blueberries and huckleberries on the west side of the loop are ripe. Still a healthy amount of wildflowers were out like columbine and fireweed, but many are past prime or are done. We had lunch on the second day at Silesia camp, and was able to see the peaks which I can't name on that clear day. Spend some time at the fire lookout--the views are amazing on a bluebird day! We spent the second night at Copper Lake. No biting flies, but hey, there are lots of mosquitos to swarm your face to take their place. Hiked to US Cabin camp the next day; the 88 blowdowns we were warned about by NPS was cleared, and we actually ran into the team that was clearing them (thanks guys!!). There were salmon spawning in the Chilliwack River, where you have to ford to cross it. The river level was knee high at best. The cable car was in good condition. When we exited through Hannegan Pass trail on the last day, the number of biting flies seem to quell, but they're still there and enough to be a nuisance.