Hannegan Pass and Peak hike near Mt Baker, Washington
Hannegan Pass and Peak hike near Mt Baker, Washington

Hannegan Pass and Peak hike

Mount Baker
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Mountain views on the Hannegan Pass and Peak Hike near Mt Baker, WashingtonTrail on the Hannegan Pass and Peak Hike near Mt Baker, WashingtonValley below the Hannegan Pass and Peak Hike near Mt Baker, WashingtonBoardwalk at Hannegan Camp on the Hannegan Pass and Peak Hike near Mt Baker, WashingtonView from the pass on the Hannegan Pass and Peak Hike near Mt Baker, WashingtonRuth Mountain and wildflowers on the Hannegan Pass and Peak Hike near Mt Baker, WashingtonTrail upon the Hannegan Pass and Peak Hike near Mt Baker, WashingtonRuth Mountain on the Hannegan Pass and Peak Hike near Mt Baker, WashingtonDescending views on the Hannegan Pass and Peak Hike near Mt Baker, WashingtonA tarn from the Hannegan Pass and Peak Hike near Mt Baker, WashingtonHiker beneath the Hannegan Pass and Peak Hike near Mt Baker, Washington

Hannegan Pass and Peak hike

Distance: 10.1mi
Elevation: 3,100ft
Time: 5.5-7.5h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.9 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
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Prepare for panoramic views aplenty when you hike up Hannegan Pass and Hannegan Peak. This 6817ft, North Cascades vantage point showing off mounts Ruth, Shuksan, Baker, and many more. This is a tough hike, but it’s well worth it.

Hannegan Pass and Peak Hike Map

Getting there

From Glacier, drive Mount Baker Highway east for 13.0mi to milepost 46. Turn left onto Forest Rd 32. In another 1.3mi, take the left fork (Ruth Creek Rd). Continue 5.4mi to the Hannegan Campground.

I’ve done this 33 people have done this
I want to do this 51 want to do this route

About

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


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 3100ft, it doubles in elevation over the course of 5.0mi. Most of that gain occurs after the first 1.0mi, so take your time easing into it.

At 3.0mi you’ll reach a stream (feeding into Ruth Creek below); we recommend looking back for a nice view of Granite Mountain overhead. In another 0.5mi, you’ll reach the Hannegan Camp junction. It’s worth wandering through for water and a wildflower show – at 4700ft, the camp area has a lovely subalpine feel. Head left at the junction to continue up steeper slopes to Hannegan Pass at 4.0mi.

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 4.0mi to tackle the final 1.0mi 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

  • 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.

Comments

Lambert O 4 years ago

Beautiful trail! Early season flowers blooming!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
5h 30m Time Taken
Aleysha C. 4 years ago

Stunning! The trail crosses several small waterfalls and dips in and out of shady pine glades, offering a respite from the heat of the sun.

10.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
5h 30m Time Taken
Abra Pepel 4 years ago

It was a nice adventure! Had a wonderful time trekking along Hannegan Pass.

10.0 Overall Rating
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T Rob 5 years ago

I visited Hannegan pass last year and the panorama views are very much worth the effort

10.0 Overall Rating
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6h 00m Time Taken
Pana Cotta 5 years ago

The camp area was stunning! It was very pleasant with all the naturescapes and subalpine feel.

10.0 Overall Rating
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HereComesScott 6 years ago

Hannegan Pass is a great strenuous hike. It was my second hike in Mt Baker. And one of my all-time favorites.

10.0 Overall Rating
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6h 30m Time Taken
Tim Charlton 6 years ago

Hannegan pass was a really nice hike. You can see a lot of different views from there. Washington state is beautiful.

9.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
6h 00m Time Taken
Gianna 6 years ago

A bit harder than lake Anns hike but I think we prefer Hannegan pass. Maybe because of the view from the peak was just breathtaking and we've enjoyed every single minute of the hike.

10.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
5h 30m Time Taken
Jordan Cohen 6 years ago

Superb! The panoramic views look spectacular! Ruth Mountain views were my favorite!

10.0 Overall Rating
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9 Comments

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