Backpacking the Copper Ridge Trail: Ultimate Guide to North Cascades’ Best Views and Campsites

Are you looking for a hike with jaw-dropping views in North Cascades National Park? The Copper Ridge Trail is one of the best backpacking routes in the park, offering incredible scenery and rewarding campsites with top-notch views. As you hike deeper along the trail, the vistas only get more impressive, with Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan providing a stunning backdrop. While you’ll need a permit to camp along most of the trail, I’ll reveal a permit-free option along the route and cover all the details you need to plan your trip. If you’re interested in tackling this trail, keep reading for everything you need to know.

Obtaining Permits for Backpacking the Copper Ridge Trail (Lottery)

To backpack along the Copper Ridge Trail, you’ll need to obtain permits from Recreation.gov. Here are the key dates to keep in mind (subject to change each year):

• March 4–March 15: Early-Access Lottery applications accepted (deadline: March 15 at 9 pm PT)
• March 22: Lottery results announced
• March 25–April 23: Early-Access reservations open for lottery winners (deadline: April 23 at 9 pm PT)
• April 29: General On-Sale period opens at 7 am PT
• May 17–October 12, 2024: Wilderness Information Center open for Peak Season; reservations available for trips during this period

To secure a backcountry permit, apply through the Early-Access Lottery, which includes a $6 non-refundable entry fee. A few weeks later, you’ll be notified via email if you’ve been successful. If successful, you’ll be given a date to select your trip dates and campsites. Note that those ahead of you may have reserved popular spots, so flexibility may be needed when choosing campsites.

Alternatives for Securing a Permit Without Lottery Success

If you were unsuccessful in the lottery, there are still ways to obtain permits! You can try again on April 29 when the General On-Sale period opens at 7 am PT. However, you’ll be competing with many others who didn’t get early access, so permits can go quickly. If you’re still unable to secure a spot, 40% of the total permits are reserved for walk-ups, giving you another opportunity to grab a permit on the day of your trip.

Here’s what I would do if I didn’t get a permit either through early access or the general on-sale period: I’d plan a backup hike, such as Ptarmigan Ridge in the Mount Baker Wilderness, where no permits are required. On the way, I’d stop by the Glacier Public Service Center to try for a walk-up permit. This way, you’ve got a solid backup plan.

The Best Time to Hike Copper Ridge Trail

The Copper Ridge Trail is best hiked from July through October, as much of the trail sits at elevations between 5,000 and 6,000 feet, where snow tends to linger. When I hiked in mid-July, I encountered some snow, but it was patchy and didn’t pose much of an issue. Had I hiked a few weeks earlier, however, the trail would have been significantly harder to navigate, likely requiring traction due to heavier snow coverage.

Mapping Out Your Route Options

This route is typically completed as a loop, but in the summer of 2021, the Bear Creek Fire closed a significant section of the loop from Copper Lake to Indian Creek. As a result, you’re now limited to hiking up to Copper Lake along Copper Ridge or up to U.S. Cabin via the Chilliwack River.

For the route I’ll be discussing, there are four campsite options available:

• Boundary Camp
• Egg Lake Camp
• Silesia Camp
• Copper Lake Camp

I chose to spend the first night at Silesia Camp and the second night at Copper Lake Camp. After completing the route, I believe these two campsites provide the best views along the trail.

Picking Up Your Backcountry Permit

Reserved permits must be picked up in person by 11 am on your trip’s start date, or they’ll be canceled. You can pick up your permit at the Glacier Public Service Center (which is on the way to the trailhead):

Glacier Public Service Center
10091 Mt. Baker Highway, Glacier, WA 98244
Hours: Daily, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Phone: (360) 599-2714
Email: SM.FS.mbs_pao@usda.gov

Copper Ridge Trail Trailhead Directions

After picking up your permits at the Glacier Public Service Center, drive about 12.8 miles along the Mount Baker Highway before turning left onto Hannegan Pass Road. Be prepared for a bumpy ride—this road is filled with potholes, so you’ll need to take it slow, traveling between 5 to 15 mph. Vehicles with higher ground clearance are best suited for this stretch. It took me roughly 30 minutes to reach the trailhead from the highway. Make sure you have either a Northwest Forest Pass or a National Park Pass, as they are required. There are also pit toilets nearby, though you’ll have to take a short two-minute walk from the main parking area to reach them.

Hiking the Copper Ridge Trail

Trailhead to Hannegan Pass

The trail begins at an elevation of around 3,100 feet and steadily climbs to Hannegan Pass at 5,070 feet. The first mile is relatively easy, with a gradual climb and little elevation gain. The trail alternates between forested sections and open meadows, which are exposed to the sun, so be sure to have sun protection like a hat or sunscreen. Watch out for Devil’s Club, a thorny plant that can easily scratch your ankles or legs—definitely not something you want to tangle with on the trail.

As you walk through the valley, you’ll see dramatic slopes on either side. To your right, several waterfalls cascade down the hillside, with lingering snow in mid-July. The area is filled with numerous wildflowers, adding to the beauty of the hike.

The next mile climbs more steeply, with switchbacks leading up the valley. The views open up as you ascend, with Ruth Mountain coming into sight, still blanketed in snow. This section has limited tree cover, so you’ll remain exposed to the sun for much of the time.

There are no water sources in the first two miles, but at about 2.2 miles, you’ll find a reliable stream coming off the mountain—a good spot to fill up. There are other dry streambeds along the trail, so take advantage of water when you find it, as sources are limited here.

Around 2.5 miles, the trail dips back into the forest, providing a nice break from the heat. This section is filled with large spruce trees, and you’ll spend about 70% of the time in the forest on the way up to the pass. The switchbacks make the ascent manageable, with moderate elevation gain. At the top of Hannegan Pass, at about 4.5 miles in, you’ll find decent views of the other side, with some snow still lingering.

The Trail from Hannegan Pass to Silesia Camp

After descending Hannegan Pass via switchbacks, you’ll cross a small stream at the bottom as the trail opens into a wide, rocky valley. From here, you’ll pass Boundary Camp, which marks the border between Mount Baker National Forest and North Cascades National Park.

The trail takes you through dense forest, with steep drops to the right and sharp rises to the left as you continue upward. Eventually, you’ll hit some switchbacks that guide you toward the top of the ridge, where the trail opens into a beautiful meadow with sweeping views of the Cascades, especially Mount Shuksan. The trail narrows significantly past Hannegan Pass due to less frequent travel.

Around 7.5 miles along the Copper Ridge Trail, you’ll encounter your first snow patches—nothing too challenging, but a sign of more to come. The views on this side of the ridge are stunning, with visible burn scars from past wildfires dotting the landscape.

As you descend through alpine meadows, you’ll find yourself heading back up to the ridge, climbing even higher than before. Once you reach the top of this ridge, you’ll arrive at Silesia Camp, where I stayed for the night. If you’re staying at Egg Lake, you’ll need to descend about 0.3 miles and 500 feet from the main trail.

The Trail from Silesia Camp to Copper Lake

Leaving Silesia Camp, you’ll descend and rejoin the Copper Ridge Trail, passing Egg Lake on your left as you traverse beautiful alpine meadows filled with wildflowers. The trail continues to descend into a forested area of shorter pine trees, with mixed meadows offering a blend of open spaces and tree cover. You’ll have stunning views of the Cascades peeking through the trees to your right.

As the trail opens up, the terrain shifts to rocky alpine meadows, and you’ll begin the ascent toward Copper Lookout, a historic fire tower perched at the highest point along the trail. Built in the 1930s as part of the U.S. Forest Service’s fire detection system, Copper Lookout offers sweeping 360-degree views of the surrounding wilderness, with particularly stunning vistas of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. This scenic spot is rich with signs of wildlife, including mountain goats and marmots, as they thrive in the lush, green grass and abundant wildflowers. After leaving the fire tower, you’ll descend toward Copper Lake through numerous switchbacks, with deep valley views to your right.

Copper Lake is a welcome sight, with its inviting vivid blue waters sparkling in the sun, making for a perfect ending to the day.

Choosing Your Route for Copper Ridge

I’ve put together a few route options for this hike, so you can choose the one that best fits your experience level. Based on my recommendations, you’ll be able to get the most out of the hike and select the camping options that make the most sense for your trip.

Copper Ridge to Copper Lake23.6 miles | 6,906 feet gain

Easy Route

This option offers a relaxed pace with plenty of time to enjoy the trail and make frequent stops.

• First Night: Boundary Camp
• Second Night: Copper Lake
• Third Night: Silesia Camp or Egg Lake

Moderate Route

A balanced mix of a manageable pace with enough time for breaks and scenic views. This is the route I took, and it was just right.

• First Night: Silesia Camp or Egg Lake
• Second Night: Copper Lake

Hard Route

For those with only one night to complete the trail, this option is the most strenuous. It requires an early start and involves significant elevation and mileage.

• First and Only Night: Copper Lake

Campsites Along the Copper Ridge Trail

As I mentioned earlier, there are four camping options along the Copper Ridge portion of the loop, which offers the best views. Beyond Copper Lake, the loop remains closed due to the Bear Creek Fire, limiting your hike to Copper Lake and back to the trailhead until that section reopens.

Camp	Miles	Toilet	Food Storage	Sites	Max. Size
Boundary	5.3	Pit	Box	3	4
Silesia	8.2	Composter	Box	2	4
Egg Lake	8.8	Composter	Box	3	4
Copper Lake	11.9	Composter	Box	3	4

Boundary Camp

Located 5.3 miles from the trailhead, Boundary Camp is a great option if you’re starting later in the day or prefer an easier first day. The camp offers 3 campsites, each accommodating up to 4 people, and features a pit toilet. It’s situated in a valley along the Chilliwack River, surrounded by mountains on either side, so there isn’t much of a view. However, if you love wildflowers, this camp is located by a field full of them!

Silesia Camp

Silesia Camp was my absolute favorite along the trail, and I highly recommend trying to secure a permit for it. Perched at the top of a ridge, it boasts 360-degree views, with epic sights of Mineral Mountain and stunning vistas of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. There are 2 campsites here, each accommodating up to 4 people. The composting toilet even has amazing views—you’ll actually enjoy this one!

The only downside is the lack of a nearby water source. Egg Lake, the closest option, is about 0.6 miles round trip, with a 500-foot descent and climb back up. When I hiked in mid-July, I was able to collect snowmelt from nearby snowfields, but once that snow is gone, you’ll need to make the trip down to Egg Lake for water. Something to keep in mind when planning your trip.

Egg Lake Camp

Egg Lake is a great choice for late summer when the snow near Silesia Camp has melted, ensuring a reliable water source. Although the views aren’t as sweeping as those from Silesia—since Egg Lake sits in a bowl rather than atop a ridge—the scenery is still impressive. It’s also a short hike up to Silesia for those looking to catch a spectacular sunrise or sunset. The campsite offers 2 spots, each accommodating up to 4 people, as well as a composting toilet and a bear box for food storage.

Copper Lake Camp

Copper Lake is the turnaround point for this trail until the loop reopens and offers beautiful, secluded alpine campsites. This spot is incredibly peaceful, and you’ll likely have it to yourself—I had the entire lake to myself during my stay. The crystal-clear blue water, while frigid, is perfect for a quick, refreshing dip. The campsites are nestled among the trees, providing some much-needed shade from the sun. There are two main campsites when you first reach the lake, and a third can be found by crossing the outlet stream from Copper Lake.

The camp features a composting toilet with stunning views and a bear box for food storage. All three campsites accommodate up to 4 people each. Beyond Copper Lake, the trail remains closed until further notice due to fire damage. You can actually see the scorched burn area just beyond the lake and across the valley. For even more breathtaking views, head up to the ridgeline just to the right of the lake.

Permit-Free Camping Option

If you’ve tried everything to get a permit for this trail but haven’t succeeded, there’s an alternative camping option that requires no permits—Hannegan Camps. It’s about a 4-mile hike in with 1,600 feet of elevation gain from the trailhead. The campsites are located just before the switchbacks leading up to Hannegan Pass. With numerous campsites available, it’s a great base camp if you’d like to day hike a portion of Copper Ridge.

Water Sources Along Copper Ridge Trail

With this hike being fairly strenuous and exposed to a lot of sun, staying hydrated is crucial. Dehydration is a leading cause of injuries on the trail, so make sure to drink plenty of water. I’ve included an interactive map that highlights all the water sources along the trail, helping you plan where to fill up. The first half of the trail has a decent number of water sources, but once you pass Egg Lake Camp, there are no reliable water sources until Copper Lake. It’s absolutely vital to complete this section with sufficient water.

Wolverine Encounter

During my hike, I had an unforgettable encounter with a wolverine at Silesia Camp. It wandered into my campsite and checked out my tent, returning a few times throughout the night. Later on the trail, I ran into a ranger who confirmed that a wolverine had been spotted at Egg Lake just a couple of days earlier. Wolverines are incredibly rare, with only an estimated 25-30 living in Washington state, making this encounter even more special.

Bear and Marmot Sightings

The next morning, about a mile past Silesia Camp, I came across a black bear on the trail. It sprinted up the hillside but paused to look back at me. Just beyond Copper Lookout, I also spotted several marmots sunning themselves—though they seemed irritated by the relentless mosquitoes!

Cell Phone Coverage Along Copper Ridge

You won’t find any reliable cell phone coverage along the trail. The only spot where I briefly received a couple of text messages was just past Copper Lookout, heading down to Copper Lake, but I wasn’t able to send anything out. I relied on my Garmin inReach to stay in touch with friends and family, and it also serves as an emergency SOS device if needed. Safety is crucial here—there was actually a hiker lost in this area for over a month! Make sure you take your safety seriously on this trail.

Tips for Hiking and Backpacking Copper Ridge

After backpacking this route, here are some tips worth sharing:

• Key Dates: The lottery usually opens up March 4–March 15 so save the date to apply for early access permits!
• Plan ahead if you win the early-access lottery: Have a clear idea of where you want to camp along the route so you can quickly book your campsites when your reservation slot opens.
• Prepare for sun exposure: The trail is exposed to a lot of sun, so bring protective clothing and plenty of sunscreen.
• Stay on top of water: Refill your water at every opportunity, especially for the stretch from Egg Lake Camp to Copper Lake, as there are no reliable water sources beyond Egg Lake.
• Bring trekking poles: I don’t normally use trekking poles, but for this trip, they were essential for crossing multiple snowfields and navigating some steep inclines and declines.
• Timing reference: It’s a 7+ hour hike from the trailhead to Copper Lake (at a quick pace), so plan accordingly.
• No bear can needed (except at Hannegan Camp): All camps along the Copper Ridge Trail have bear boxes, so no need to bring a bear can—this helps save weight. However, if you plan to stay at Hannegan Camp, a bear can is required.

The Copper Ridge Trail is a tough but rewarding hike, offering some of the best views in North Cascades National Park. From the ridgeline campsites to the alpine lakes, this trail has plenty to offer for experienced backpackers. Permits are essential if you want to do this as an overnight trip, which is really the best way to experience the trail. If you’re looking for a challenging but scenic route, Copper Ridge won’t disappoint.