Hannegan Pass and Peak, Ruth Mountain — Saturday, Aug. 15, 1998

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

We hiked up the trail to Hannegan Pass Saturday,in slightly deteriorating weather. That trail isin good shape except could use some brushing.Blueberries and a few remnants of salmonberriesare out along the way. At Hannegan Pass, we turnedright to follow the climber's path to Mt. Ruth.At this time of year the path is easy to follow.It ascends very steeply for 500' vertical, but otherthan major huffing and puffing carrying our glaciergear it's not impossible. The rest of the route tothe glacier is straightforward, and very scenic. Saturday night, the long great weather patternchanged to winds and rain (nah, it doesn't rainin the North Cascades in August, does it'!!!). Sowe elected to leave the summit for a better weather day.Reports from people who camped at the col betweenRuth and Icy was the route is in good shape, withno impassible areas on the glacier. They electednot to climb Icy Peak as they had whiteout conditions. On the hike out, we got soaked from the vegetation along the trail. But fun anyway!