Hannegan Pass and Peak — Friday, Aug. 3, 2001

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

We tried to climb Mt. Challenger via Easy Ridge, but weather and routefinding issues shut us down. We hiked in over Hannagan Pass Friday night, reaching Copper Creek camp in the Chilliwack valley. All of this trail was in great shape. Our morning crossing of the Chilliwack was easy, then the Easy Ridge trail begins in thick, wet, underbrush, eventually becoming a pleasant trail in timber. Sadly, we were socked in with occasional rain, and schlumped along Easy Ridge, finally coming down to the ""Imperfect Impasse"" at 5100 feet. We couldn't find a safe way across this incredible gorge. Camping on the valley wall at about 4500 feet, we awoke to clear skies and another chance to find the route. We looked everywhere, with increasing dismay, finally realizing we'd lost our chance. We packed up and enjoyed some great views from Easy Ridge, until a fast storm came. We walked all the way back to the car in pouring rain. Better luck next time!