If you’re craving a true North Cascades adventure — think crisp mountain air, fiery fall foliage, and sweeping summit views — Hannegan Pass and Peak delivers. Nestled deep in the Mount Baker Wilderness, this trail winds through forest, meadows, and rugged alpine terrain, leading to one of the most stunning viewpoints in the entire range.
The hike begins at the end of Hannegan Pass Road (Forest Service Road 32), tracing Ruth Creek as it tumbles through mossy forest and over small waterfalls. Early miles offer a gentle grade and plenty of time to soak in the autumn color — vine maples and berry bushes glow red and orange against evergreen backdrops.
Around mile three, the incline picks up, weaving through switchbacks to Hannegan Pass, where the views open into the heart of North Cascades National Park. From here, the trail climbs steeply through high meadows dusted with early snow, each turn revealing better views of Ruth Mountain and the peaks beyond.
Push on to Hannegan Peak, and you’ll earn a 360° reward — a jaw-dropping panorama of Mount Baker, Shuksan, Goat Mountain, and the distant peaks of British Columbia. On clear fall days, the low sun casts long shadows across the ridges, turning the entire range gold.
Hike Details:
- Distance: 10.4 miles, roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
- Highlights: Fiery fall foliage, alpine meadows, mountain vistas, and glacier views
Why You'll Love It:
There’s something special about Hannegan in autumn. The crowds thin, the air turns crisp, and the meadows glow with fall color. The first few miles ease you in with a forested stroll beside Ruth Creek, where you’ll pass mossy logs, waterfalls, and views of Mount Sefrit and Nooksack Ridge.
Once you reach Hannegan Pass, take a moment to soak in the quiet — you’re surrounded by vast alpine wilderness. From there, the climb to the peak is short but steep, gaining about 1,000 feet in just over a mile. The reward? Endless views and that peaceful stillness only the shoulder season brings.
Trail Insights:
Autumn brings cooler temps and the possibility of early snow dusting the upper meadows — adding even more magic to the views. Trail conditions can shift quickly, so pack extra layers, waterproof gear, and poles for stability on slick sections.
@North Country Hiker recently shared on wta.org:
"Fall is a great time to do this hike: colors are coming in; the daunting cascades falling over the trail in the spring are dry or almost dry. The trail is in good shape with many signs of intensive work, including re-benching, a rock wall holding up a wash-out, check steps, and drains."
Even in October, expect chilly winds at the summit and short daylight hours. Start early and plan for a long but rewarding day in the alpine.
Tips for Your Adventure:
- 🍁 Layer up. Expect frosty mornings and breezy ridgelines — warm layers and gloves make a big difference.
- 🥾 Start early. Days are shorter, and this trail is long enough to need every bit of daylight.
- 🧭 Download maps before you go. Service fades fast past Glacier.
- 🎟️ Bring your Northwest Forest Pass for parking. Overnight trips require a
- free backcountry permit from the ranger station.
- 📸 Don’t rush the views. Fall light in the North Cascades is pure magic — bring your camera and soak it in.
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