Hannegan Pass

Hannegan Pass by Whidbey Walker

Mount Baker Hwy east of Glacier. This heavy-use trail leads to many climbing and backpacking routes in the North Cascades. The trail has been damaged by a large avalanche debris slide and we will be concentrating on clearing and rebuilding this section of trail. There will be opportunities for camping nearby if you are intending to work with us on both days.

A spectacular hike in a classic U-shaped glacier carved valley is the first leg of an extended trip across the North Cascades Picket Range to Ross Lake Reservoir. The Hannegan Trail is a convenient starting point for various climbing and backpacking routes in the North Cascades National Park. The trail starts out on a former road through second growth forest but quickly comes out into the open, offering grand views of the Ruth Creek Valley. The trail grade is fairly level for the first mile, and then begins a gentle climb for the next 2.5 miles. In early summer numerous waterfalls cascade down the steep cliffs of Mt. Sefrit to the south. The white dome of Ruth Mountain appears after the first mile. Open views are almost continuous, as the trail only briefly enters small patches of forest. Approximately .5 mile below the pass is the turnoff to the right for the Hannegan Camp. To continue to the pass, stay left as the trail enters forest and climbs more steeply on switchbacks. At Hannegan Pass, hikers encounter the junction with Hannegan Peak Trail #674.1, which gains 1200 feet in one mile to the summit of Hannegan Peak. One mile beyond Hannegan Pass the trail enters the North Cascades National Park.

Driving directions:
From Bellingham take exit 255 off of I-5 and drive east on Highway 542 (the Mount Baker Highway) to the town of Glacier, then continue east an additional 13 miles. Just before crossing the North Fork Nooksack River turn left onto Forest Service Road 32. In 1.3 miles take the left fork and continue 5.4 miles to road-end at Hannegan Campground, elevation 3100 feet.(Driving time from Seattle: approximately 3.5 hours.)