First warning, HYW 542 just east of Glacier will close down completely during daytime hours on weekdays in late july and early august, so check closure times before you leave. The Copper Ridge loop is a classic North Cascades hike, and one of the best scenic areas I've ever seen. The trail up Hannegan Pass is well made and well traveled, and the 1 mile side trip up Hannegan Peak offers great views. I did the loop counterclockwise, I continued straight on the Chillwack River trail. The trail is a little bushy just befor and just after US Cabin Camp, but between Brush Creek and Indian Creek the trail is very overgrown, the bushes were 5 feet over my head and I couldn't see the trail, and my legs were bleeding a little, so I'd suggest putting on pants for this 2 1/2 mile section. Above the suspension bridge over Indian Creek is a waterfall with a deep pool below it, which makes for a cold, refreshing swim on a hot day. 1 mile after Indian Creek is the juction to the Copper Ridge trail, whick soon crosses Indian Creek. Immediately after crossing Indian creek look for the two orange flags that direct you to take a sharp left turn, even though there are many foot prints that keep going straight ahead, they soon end in the bush. Chillawack River is easily crossed on a log. Now the trail gains 4,000 feet of elevatoin on it's way up to Copper Mtn Lookout. A must stop is Copper Lake, a great place to go swimming and lay in the sun.
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