Copper Ridge Loop is a 34-mile backpacking route in the North Cascades that alternates between high alpine ridgeline and deep forested valley. Most North Cascades trails only touch treeline briefly; Copper Ridge stays in open alpine terrain above 5,000 feet for miles, with wide views of the Picket Range and dozens of surrounding peaks. The loop pairs the exposed Copper Ridge section with the lush Chilliwack River valley. This is not a beginner trip. Expect 8,600 feet of total elevation gain, exposed scrambles, river crossings, and a self-propelled cable car over the Chilliwack River. It is best suited to experienced backpackers who are comfortable navigating and ready for multi-day alpine travel with a full pack.
Backcountry permits are required year-round and cost $10 per person plus a $6 non-refundable reservation fee. North Cascades National Park uses a dual reservation system: 60% of permits go through an early-access lottery (applications March 2-13, winners notified March 20), and 40% are held for walk-up permits. The lottery matters for popular routes like Copper Ridge; without lottery access, getting a reservation during the regular booking window (starting late March) can be extremely difficult. Book through Recreation.gov and pick up your reserved permit at the Glacier Public Service Center (10091 Mt. Baker Highway, Glacier, WA 98244) by 11 AM on your start date. Walk-up permits are available at the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount (7280 Ranger Station Road, open 7 AM-4 PM summer season, 360-854-7245).
Group size is typically capped at 12 people. Bear canisters are not required at most Copper Ridge camps because they have bear boxes, but Hannegan Camp (on USFS land just outside the park boundary) does require one. Free bear canister loaners are available at the Wilderness Information Center. Fires are only permitted at low-elevation camps with established fire rings; most alpine camps prohibit campfires, so bring a backpacking stove. Visitors are limited to 14 days per permit and 30 days per calendar year in the North Cascades backcountry.
Mid-July through late September is the most reliable window. Snow typically lingers on Copper Ridge into early July, and crossing it without mountaineering skills can be dangerous. By mid-July the ridge becomes passable, with waterfalls still running down the hillsides and snow patches on surrounding peaks like Ruth Mountain. Late July through August is peak alpine wildflower season across the ridge's broad meadows, and conditions generally hold through early September.
Shoulder season tradeoffs: Early season (July) has more water sources and full waterfalls, but you may have to cross lingering snowfields and swollen creeks. Late season (September-early October) brings solitude and fall colors at lower elevations, but water gets scarce along the ridge and early winter storms become a risk. Recent years have seen below-average snowpack in the Cascades, which can open the ridge earlier but also worsens late-season water scarcity.
North Cascades weather is notoriously unpredictable. Even in peak summer, bring layers for cold, wet conditions. The ridge is exposed for long stretches, so whatever weather arrives, you meet it with limited shelter options.
Water management is critical on Copper Ridge. The first half from Hannegan Pass has decent sources, but after Egg Lake Camp (mile 8.2) there is no reliable water until Copper Lake, a stretch that can run 8+ dry miles depending on your route. Early season snowmelt adds options, but by August the ridge turns increasingly arid. The only guaranteed fill points on the ridge are Egg Lake and Copper Lake themselves.
Refill at every opportunity: streams at mile 2.2, the Boundary Camp area (mile 4.7), and definitely at the Egg Lake junction. Silesia Camp is one of the most scenic campsites but has no water source; campers descend 0.3 miles to Egg Lake to fill. Carry extra capacity (4+ liters) for the Egg Lake to Copper Lake segment, especially in late season. The Chilliwack River valley section has abundant water.
There is no resupply on trail. The nearest town with full services is Bellingham (90+ minutes from the trailhead), which has major grocery stores. Glacier (15 minutes from the trailhead) has limited supplies at the general store. Most backpackers buy everything in Bellingham or Seattle before driving out. Mail drops are not feasible on this route.
The Chilliwack River crossing at mile 22.9 uses a two-person cable car suspended 100 feet above the river. You pull yourself across on a rough rope, so bring gloves: the pull takes real upper body strength and the rope can shred bare hands. The cable car works well, but the crossing is exhausting and unnerving if heights bother you. Early season (June-July) the river runs high and the cable car is essential; by late summer some hikers ford directly, though the cable car remains the safer option. Don't leave gear on the platform, because you will not want to pull yourself back across for it.
Bear activity is common, particularly in berry season (late July-August). Multiple trip reports mention close encounters with black bears feeding on huckleberries in the ridge meadows, and the bears often seem unfazed by hikers. Most camps have bear boxes, but follow proper bear country protocols anyway. Stay at least 100 yards from any bear you spot. Grizzlies are rare but present in the North Cascades; report any sightings to rangers.
Exposure on Copper Ridge is significant and sustained. Miles of open alpine terrain with minimal escape routes mean you are committed once on the ridge. Specific afternoon thunderstorm data is limited, but the elevation (up to 6,260 feet at the lookout) and the exposure create lightning risk during storms. Plan to be off the highest sections by early afternoon in unsettled weather.
Navigation is generally straightforward on the established trail, but early-season snow patches can hide the route, and the ridge can be disorienting in fog. Solid map and compass skills are essential.
From Seattle/Bellingham: Drive north on I-5 to Burlington, then take SR 20 east to Sedro-Woolley. Continue east on SR 20 through Concrete to Rockport, then turn north on SR 542 (Mount Baker Highway). Follow SR 542 through Glacier; the Glacier Public Service Center (where you pick up permits) is on the right. Continue 12.5 miles east of Glacier, then turn left on Hannegan Pass Road (Forest Road 32). Follow FR 32 for 5.3 miles to the trailhead at road's end. Total driving time from Bellingham: 90 minutes; from Seattle: 3+ hours.
Road conditions: FR 32 is maintained gravel with some potholes and washboards but passable for any vehicle as of 2025 (earlier flood damage has been repaired). Recent reports confirm standard passenger cars can make it. The parking area is substantial but fills on weekends, so arrive early or park along the road. A Northwest Forest Pass ($5 day/$30 annual) or America the Beautiful Pass is required for trailhead parking, separate from the National Park backcountry permit. A Discovery Pass does not work here. Scan & Pay digital payment is available via the Recreation.gov app if you don't have a pass.
Nearest airport: Bellingham International Airport (90 minutes) with limited commercial service; Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (3 hours) has far more options. No shuttle services run to Hannegan Pass; this is a car-dependent trailhead. Rental cars are available at both airports.
Direction matters: Most backpackers hike counter-clockwise (Hannegan Pass to Copper Ridge to Chilliwack River) for a more gradual build-up and a finishing descent, though clockwise works too. Counter-clockwise spreads the difficulty more evenly and saves your knees on the final day.
Campsite strategy for a 3-night trip: Night 1 at Boundary Camp (mile 4.7) or Indian Creek (mile 12.7 if going counter-clockwise via Chilliwack first), Night 2 at Egg Lake or Silesia Camp (mile 8.2-8.1), Night 3 at Copper Lake (mile 15) or U.S. Cabin (mile 19.3). For 4 nights, add Boundary Camp and spread the days more comfortably. Silesia Camp is beautiful but waterless, with only two sites: one reservable, one walk-up. Egg Lake has four sites total with water access. Competition for permits is fierce, so have backup campsite choices ready when booking.
Start uphill segments early, before the afternoon heat. The initial climb from the Hannegan trailhead and the ascent to Copper Ridge are exposed and brutal in midday sun. Sun protection is critical; this trail has more continuous sun exposure than almost any North Cascades route. Bring serious sunscreen, a sun shirt, and a hat.
Copper Mountain Lookout (mile 9.9) requires a 0.3-mile side trip and is absolutely worth it for 360-degree views of the North Cascades. Time your visit for sunrise or sunset if your camping permits allow.
Hannegan Camp (USFS land just before the park boundary) requires no permit, which makes it a backup option if you can't secure park permits. It can serve as a base camp for day-hiking portions of Copper Ridge, though you'll miss the full loop.
The trail has recently seen periodic closures beyond Copper Lake due to the Bear Creek Fire. Check current conditions with North Cascades National Park before finalizing plans, as the full loop may not always be open. As of recent reports, hiking to Copper Lake as an out-and-back remains possible even when the loop is closed.
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