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Copper Ridge Trail to Copper Lake
Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Scenery: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mileage: 24.5 mi
Region: North Cascades NP
Elev. Gain: 7,011 ft
When to Go: Jul—Sep
Avg. Time: 2-3 days
Parking: Small unpaved lot
Type: Out + Back
Pass: NW Forest, America the Beautiful or $5
Know Before You Go:
A personal favorite backpacking route in the North Cascades.
Obtaining camping permits for this route is extremely competitive. You can reserve them at recreation.gov or try for walk up permits if your itinerary is flexible.
The trailhead is located outside the NP boundary, hence the parking fee.
This trail combines with the Chilliwack River Trail to form a much longer loop, you can choose to do as much as you'd like. Silesia Camp is about 9 mi in along the route and has the best views.
All the campsites have bear boxes and compost toilets. Water sources are scarce once you reach the ridge, so plan accordingly.
Hannegan Pass makes an excellent turning around point if you're looking for a shorter day hike option here.
Bring lots of bug spray although it won't do much to deter the black flies that are common in the area.
Wildflower displays are prolific along the way and once you hit the ridge you’ll get 360 mountain views - you'll even spot Mt. Baker and peaks over the Canadian border!
The final few miles of the road to the trailhead are rough, sedans may have difficulty navigating the many potholes.