Trails for everyone, forever

Home Go Hiking Hiking Guide Brush Creek to Tapto Lakes

Brush Creek to Tapto Lakes

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
48.9102, -121.5917 Map & Directions

Routefinding is required to reach Tapto Lakes. North Cascades National Park backcountry reservations are required to camp. Continue reading

Rating
0.00 out of 5

(0 votes) Log in to rate

Hiking Brush Creek to Tapto Lakes

Tapto Lakes can be reached via cross-country travel from the Brush Creek trail (a segment of the Pacific Northwest Trail). The hike requires routefinding skills, and campers will need to acquire a backcountry camping permit in advance to stay at the lakes. Reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov.

Though there are multiple ways to reach Brush Creek trail, a common route is to start from the Hannegan Pass trailhead. 

Toilet Information

  • Toilet at trailhead

More information about toilets

Brush Creek to Tapto Lakes

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 48.9102, -121.5917 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

A backcountry permit is required to camp overnight in the North Cascades National Park Complex (incl. Ross Lake and Lake Chelan national rec areas). They are $10 per person plus $6 nonrefundable reservation fee. See the NPS website for more details on permits.

See weather forecast

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

There are a couple of ways to reach the Brush Creek Trail (then Tapto Lakes), but most hikers start at the Hannegan Pass trailhead. 

From I-5 exit 255, go east 34 miles on SR 542. Just past the town of Glacier, stop at the Public Service Center to obtain overnight permits, then continue another 12.7 miles. Turn left onto Hannegan Pass Road #32. At 1.3 miles, stay left on Ruth Creek Road, and drive the final 4 miles to road’s end. There is parking for 30 vehicles plus additional shoulder parking. Trailhead amenities include a vault toilet, shelter and bearproof garbage bin.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

North Cascades National Park

You can improve or add to this guidebook entry!

Brush Creek to Tapto Lakes

10 Trip Reports

Hiked here recently?

Submit a trip report!
 
Loading trip reports...
Trip Reports