Copper Ridge — Saturday, Aug. 22, 1998

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Hit the Hannegan Pass trailhead Friday AM under blue skies. The trail to Hannegan Camp (3.5 miles) was narrow with calf thrashing brush and lots of toe stubbing, ankle twisting rock. The ascent to the Pass was pretty exposed with intermittent respite provided by forested segments. Descending the pass I, with my Summer Buddies, spent the first night at Boundary Camp (5 mi.) where, during breakfast the next morning, we spotted a bear forging in a high meadow on the side of Ruth Mt. Our second day's trek began under partially cloudy skies with a pleasant ascent on a forested path to Copper Ridge 1200 ft. above. Upon reaching the ridge, the skies had cleared and the surrounding ice capped peaks were fully in view--incredible!!! Some of our group of set camp at Siliesa while others went on to Egg Lake (the only available water source 300 ft. below). The remainder of the afternoon saw some continuing on a day hike to Copper Ridge Lookout while others sunned themselves lakeside with episodic dunks in the icy waters of Egg Lake. All convened at Siliesa to dine and watch the sunset. Headed out early the next morning while the Ridge was still shrouded in thick fog. What a gift to live in a place where such an experience is so readily accessible. Check it out sometime.