last year we did the copper ridge loop, and discovered that there was another trail of the same origin, but heading to whatcom pass. we passed a few hikers who recommended this portion - thus, we decided to hike it this year! now we've covered 80 miles in the north cascades park (most of the trail miles as there are few trails that penetrate those mountains).
we entered the north cascades park through hannigan pass trailhead, and traversed down through copper creek valley, over whatcom pass (near mt challenger), then down and up to beaver pass, then out to ross lake (by way of big beaver trail). we had arranged for a water taxi to pick us up at big beaver trailhead on wednesday morning. this dropped us off at the dam near diablo, and then we hiked up the hill a mile to hwy 20. mona's parents picked us up on the highway.
wonderful sunny weather, not a cloud in the sky! mt challenger was amazing to see... as was the grove of 1000-yr old cedars (on the big beaver portion of the trail).
mt ruth on way to hannigan pass
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