Hiking Hannegan Peak in the Mount Baker Wilderness
Contents
Hannegan Peak Hike Information
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 16.50Km (10.25 Miles)
Elevation Gain: 965m (3,166 Ft.)
Highest Elevation: 1,884m (6,181 Ft.)
Average Gradient: 11.70%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 5.5 – 7 Hours
– Moderate: 4.5 – 5.5 Hours
– Fast: 3.5 – 4.5 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: June – October
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: None
Hannegan Peak Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 48°54’37.4″N 121°35’31.1″W
Hannegan Peak Overview
Hannegan Peak is a summit located in the Mount Baker Wilderness in Washington, easily accessed from Hannegan Pass Road off of Mount Baker Highway, which is suitable for all vehicles. Following the well maintained Hannegan Pass trail, hikers will climb gradually through the valley beneath Nooksack Ridge before a steep climb up to the summit, all the while enjoying stunning views of Ruth Mountain, Mount Shuksan, Mount Sefrit, Mount Baker and plenty more.
The entire hike is very simple, following a well groomed trail the whole way up. Most of the trail is at a fairly mellow gradient, however shortly before reaching Hannegan Pass the climb up to the summit begins in earnest and doesn’t stop until you reach the top. Still, this hike is suitable for most parties and the rewards are well worth the effort.
While Mount Baker Highway is plowed year-round, Hannegan Pass Road is not, so access in the winter will not be possible without skinning or snowshoeing from the Shuksan Picnic Area at the beginning of the road, which will add significant distance. Peak summer is the best time to visit Hannegan Peak, however spring works as well, just note that there may be some challenging creek crossings along the hike through the valley, with weak snow bridges causing issues at times.
Some parties opt to camp along the ridge, or even on the summit of Hannegan Peak, with several spots for doing so, though there are no water sources once the snow has all melted. Parking at the trailhead requires a Northwest Forest Pass, and this trail is dog friendly.
Maintaining this website requires a significant investment of both time and money, if you find this website a useful resource, please consider making a donation using this button.
Is Hannegan Peak worthwhile?
Hannegan Peak is a relatively quick and moderate hike thanks to a well groomed and graded trail the entire way to the summit. Most parties can travel quickly, with many reaching the summit between 2-3 hours from the start. The views along the Hannegan Pass trail are pleasant, with Nooksack Ridge and Ruth Mountain offering frequent rewards, but the show really starts as you ascend up, through some beautiful meadows, culminating in excellent panoramic views from the summit. The effort to reward on Hannegan Peak is really up there.
How difficult is the hike to Hannegan Peak?
Hannegan Peak is a moderately challenging hike that follows a well graded trail for the most part. The hike to Hannegan Pass is quite straightforward with plenty of flatter sections throughout allowing for fast travel, however the climb up to the peak from the pass is quite steep. Most parties should manage fine and fit parties will be able to go quickly.
Technically this hike is very simple, following an obvious, well graded trail. Other than some loose rock sections there shouldn’t be too much to worry about. In the early summer or late spring the creek crossings on the Hannegan Pass trail can be tricky due to weakening snow bridges, so take care if going at that time.
Hannegan Peak Route Information
The trailhead for Hannegan Peak is from the end of Hannegan Pass Road off of the Mount Baker Highway. This road is only accessible from spring to fall when it is snow free. Hannegan Pass Road is mostly gravel and should be driveable in any vehicle, with just a few potholes dotted around that are easily avoided.
From the trailhead you should note an obvious trail leading into the forest. The next 6.5km of this hike follow this trail as it works its way through the valley towards Hannegan Pass, offering some excellent views of Nooksack Ridge and Mount Sefrit along the way. You’ll also get plenty of sightings of the glaciated Ruth Mountain off in the distance as you progress further through the valley.
The Hannegan Pass trail essentially traverses the lower southwest slopes of Granite Mountain, running parallel to (but above) Ruth Creek the entire way. Due to the steep slopes above, there are multiple creek crossings along this trail, some of which are quite wide. In the spring these creeks are often covered by an increasingly weakening snow bridge, which may cause some difficulties at times. By the summer crossing these creeks should be uneventful as the snow will be thawed and the creek levels significantly reduced or gone entirely.
It shouldn’t take long for hikers to reach Hannegan Pass, usually around 1.50 – 2 hours at a decent pace. At the pass you will be greeted with a junction and some signage indicating which way to go, you’ll want to follow the trail to Hannegan Peak, which is to the left as you approach the junction.
The trail will continue its steady climb up, passing through some meadows that will often be colourful in the summer and fall. You’ll zigzag up towards the southwest ridge of the peak, all the while with ever improving views as you gain elevation.
Once you gain the ridge the views will fully open up to the east, west and south, with stunning views of Ruth Mountain, Mount Shuksan and Mount Sefrit in particular. It won’t be long now until you’re on the broad summit of Hannegan Peak, now offering 360 degree views with the northern peaks looking into Chilliwack on display.
There is plenty of space to spread out on the summit and soak it in, and some parties may consider continuing further along the ridge towards Hannegan North and Granite Mountain. There is a faint trail part way to Granite, but you’ll need to self-navigate from the col below in order to reach the peak. There is no scrambling necessary for Granite, and you might want to budget at least 3 – 4 hours to return to Hannegan Peak if you plan to do it. Granite is a worthy extension for those looking to maximize their time with views.
When should I hike Hannegan Peak?
Hannegan Pass Road will only be open once the snowline has receded, which will usually only be in May. Even then it’s probably best to wait until June for the snow to have thawed on at least the Hannegan Pass section of trail. Most parties will want to do this in the summer though, with July to October the peak season.
Top Tip
In the late summer there are usually no water sources anywhere along the trail (other than at the trailhead), so make sure you take whatever you need, especially if camping.
