State: Washington
Location: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Length, One-Way: 5 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 3100 feet
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Heavy
Parking: Northwest Forest Pass is required at trailheads.
Trail Information
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 0.5 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. Overnight visitors to the national park are required to have a backcountry permit, available at the Glacier Public Service Center.
The Hannegan Pass Trail enters the Mt. Baker Wilderness, limiting party size to 12. Campfires are prohibited.
Caution: Early season hikers must use extreme caution where creeks are covered by snow bridges. Snow bridges should be tested before crossing. If there is any question of the stability of the snow, do not cross and consider turning back if necessary.
Directions
From Glacier:
Travel east on Mt. Baker Highway 542 for 12.5 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 32 (Hannegan Pass Road). Follow Road 32 for 5.0 miles. The trailhead and parking area are located at the end of the road.
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