Hannegan Pass and Peak

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
5.5-7.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
16.2 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
945 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
9.9
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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Directions to Trailhead
Hannegan Pass and Peak hike near Mt Baker, Washington

Prepare for panoramic views aplenty when you hike up Hannegan Pass and Hannegan Peak. This 2,078 m, North Cascades vantage point showing off mounts Ruth, Shuksan, Baker, and many more. This is a tough hike, but it’s well worth it.

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Route Description for Hannegan Pass and Peak

From the get-go, Hannegan Pass Trail parallels Ruth Creek, with views of Mount Sefrit and the Nooksack Ridge to the south. It weaves in and out of forests, over mountain streams, and through open meadows. While this trail starts out relatively low from 945 m, it doubles in elevation over the course of 8.0 km. Most of that gain occurs after the first 1.6 km, so take your time easing into it.

At 4.8 km you’ll reach a stream (feeding into Ruth Creek below); we recommend looking back for a nice view of Granite Mountain overhead. In another 0.8 km, you’ll reach the Hannegan Camp junction. It’s worth wandering through for water and a wildflower show - at 1,433 m, the camp area has a lovely subalpine feel. Head left at the junction to continue up steeper slopes to Hannegan Pass at 6.4 km.

Views are limited at the pass, but it’s a nice place to take a break before continuing on up to Hannegan Peak. Turn left at the signed junction at 6.4 km to tackle the final 1.6 km to the summit.

You’ll quickly pop out of forest into open meadows, and your final destination - Hannegan Peak itself - comes into view. The views only get bigger (and the trail steeper) as you go. Due south, the snow-white Ruth Mountain dominates the view for much of the climb. Once you reach the top, 360-degree views of the Cascade Mountain are yours, with Ruth, Shuksan, and Mount Baker taking the cake. Return the way you came.

Would you like to see more hikes in Mount Baker? Check out the Yellow Aster Butte, Chain Lakes Loop, Skyline Divide Trail or Heliotrope Ridge.

Insider Hints for Hannegan Pass and Peak

  • It can get downright toasty here on a warm day, and biting flies can be a nuisance. Bring plenty of sunscreen and bug spray.
  • Camping is available at the trailhead, at Hannegan Campground. You can also backpack into Hannegan Camp.

Getting to the Hannegan Pass and Peak Trailhead

From Glacier, drive Mount Baker Highway east for 20.9 km to milepost 46. Turn left onto Forest Rd 32. In another 2.1 km, take the left fork (Ruth Creek Rd). Continue 8.7 km to the Hannegan Campground.

Route Information

  • When to do

    July to October

  • Backcountry Campsites

    Yes, at Hannegan Camp

  • Toilets

    Yes, at trailhead

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    High

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Hannegan Pass and Peak Elevation Graph

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Hannegan Pass and Peak Reviews

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