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Weekend Gem-Copper Ridge Loop w/ Whatcom

Posted by eriksoltan on Oct 5, 2016 in Trail Reports, Weekend Gem | No Comments

Challanger from above Whatcom Pass

The North Cascades are surely one of America’s most dramatic mountain ranges. Imposing peaks draped in glaciers, huge U shaped valleys and high jagged ridges reaching in all directions mesmerize the wilderness traveler. With such daunting terrain, it is no wonder that the official trail system here is limited to a couple of short loops and a bunch of in and out hikes into high basins. To get a sample of this amazing range, start off with this 44 mile trek in the northern portion of the Park. Start out by picking up overnight permits from the Glacier Public Service Center during their operational hours. Next, drive up to the Hannegan Pass TH, just past the road’s last town of Glacier. Start out hiking up to the Pass, then down a few hundred feet to Boundary Camp where the trail splits. Now, on a hike like this where there is a river and a ridge trail, I always opt to hike the river one first. This saves the more dramatic portions of the trip till the end when you are acclimated to a wilderness setting mentally and physically. That said, take the right split and start the gentle decent to the Chilliwack River.

Looking back to the TH from near Hannegan Pass

Along the Chilliwack

I would recommend for this trek that you camp at U.S. Cabin Camp for two nights and take a day pack up to the Whatcom Pass area, crossing the river by a ford or a dicey looking cable car, the choice is yours. Or even better, camp out at the TH and make it up to Graybeal Camp for two nights. This would allow you to make it up to higher destinations like Tapto Lakes or above Whatcom to the alpine areas closer to Perfect Pass, keeping in mind your return trip mileage. Once your mind has been blown from the awesome scene at Whatcom, head down the river deeper into the Park. Make the left onto the Copper Ridge TR, crossing two arteries of the River, one has a log spanning it and the second does not. For the novice hiker, consider doing this loop in late summer or fall when the stream is wide but far from dangerous. Also, the fall colors along this trip are amazing, the sun is less potent, the crowds are gone and the berries are ripe.

Whatcom Peak on the way to the Pass

The Big Beaver Valley is impressive

The Chilliwack crossing

The next 7.5 miles are a gentle, but the overall elevation gain is about 3000 ft. and taxing on your day’s energy, so I would recommend that you stay at Copper Lake for your next night. This lovely, deep lake is nestled on the ridge’s edge and has great views of the Mt. Redoubt and Bear Mtn. and a cool peninsula to hang out on. The next day takes high above the lake into more alpine country to a well taken care of lookout. Views from this spot are the best of the trip, especially of the legendary mountains of the Picket Range that stand like a wall of rock separating the drainages. Once you pull your self from this mesmerizing spot, continue down the ridge into miles of rolling parkland that are a true joy to hike on. Next, you pass Silesia and Egg Lake Camps on your way down to Boundary Camp again and onward back to Hannegan Pass. Take a minute at the Pass to reflect on the amazing country your feet have have taken to and take a deep breath, its good to be alive!