Copper Ridge — Friday, Aug. 5, 2022

On the trail at 1:15 Friday afternoon after parking quite a ways down the road, which we expected for a sunny august weekend.  Bugs super annoying the first few miles - got better as we went up, or maybe we got used to it. Definitely much clearer at pass and beyond - we were able to sit down near Boundary camp and eat w/o constantly swatting. Arrived at Silesia about 7pm in time to enjoy the amazing alpenglow.  

Saturday morning, hiked down to Egg Lake for water (note - there are a few  running water options between Silesia and Boundary), and we spent the afternoon at the lookout. Got to meet the ranger on the trail - super nice guy.  Apparently we missed seeing the teenage bear near the lookout and the bigger bear at Egg Lake.  We did see a teenage bear on the road on our way back to 542, maybe a mile from trailhead.  Fortunately, we were driving slowly due to potholes - he took his time crossing the road and seemed oblivious to our car. 

Hike out on Sunday afternoon was brutal thanks to heat wave, but the bugs weren't as bad as expected.  Our friends stayed at Egg Lake Sunday night and reported the same experience coming out on Monday - super hot slog, but not as buggy. 

One of the best bang for buck view hikes around - not easy (at least for me), but worth the pain.  One of these years, I hope to do the full loop. 

Reminder that permits are required to camp in the park.  Please get a permit if aren't planning to hike in and out in the same day.  We were woken after dark the first night (no idea what time) by voices and headlamps outside our tent.  The next day, we noticed an older couple camped in an undesignated spot clearly marked as restoration area.  I spoke to them later that morning, and they were quite nice and seemed to be experienced outdoor folks so I didn't ask why or judge - assuming something unexpected had happened. We mentioned this to the ranger the next day, and he informed us that they were up at the lookout at sunset will full packs.  As it was very unlikely that they'd make it out of the park that night, he took their names, and a citation will be coming in the mail.