AdventuresNW
Hannegan Peak
Few hikes in the North Cascades offer a better, more intimate view of Mt. Shuksan than the hike to Hannegan Peak. The trek up the Ruth Creek Valley is beautiful in its own right, a tonic for the winter-weary soul. After a brief, rigorous climb to Hannegan Pass, turn left on the trail to the peak, then hike through alpine gardens with ever-expanding views. The Ruth Glacier is beguiling. Spend some quality time at the summit, surveying the 360-degree splendor of the North Cascades. The epic Nooksack Tower on Shuksan is breathtaking. The 8-mile, round-trip hike – with an elevation gain of 2900 feet – will take you to the peak and back.
Trailhead: The end of the Hannegan Pass Rd., 5.5 miles from the Mt. Baker Highway (WA-542). Northwest Forest Pass required.
Helen Lake
The Canadian Rockies are famous for spectacular high mountain scenery accessed by a world-class trail system. The hike to Helen Lake (and beyond to Cirque Peak) is a shining example, providing awe-inspiring views from a trail that whisks you gently up into the wonderlands. I always linger at the high point (a great lunch spot and a spectacular view of Dolomite Peak) before the trail drops to the lake, and have often continued to climb the precipitous slope of Cirque Peak, where the ecstasy is magnified. Round-trip to the lake is 7 miles and 1700 feet. Reaching the summit of Cirque Peak adds another 3 miles and 2000 feet and requires some light scrambling. But, wow.
Trailhead: The Columbia Icefields Parkway, opposite the Crowfoot Glacier Overlook, approximately 21 miles north of the Trans-Canada Highway. Parks Canada National Park Entry Pass Required.
Watson Lakes
The trail to Watson Lakes is a joy, traversing flower and bee-buzzing meadows and a cool, shadow-dappled forest high above Baker Lake. Lower Watson is reached at 2.5 miles, but don’t stop here. Climb another half mile to Upper Watson, cradled in a postcard-worthy rock basin beneath Bacon Peak. For those inclined, superb campsites can be found around the lake. It is possible (and recommended) to continue past the lake on the slopes of Mt. Watson for mind-blowing views of Mt. Baker.
Trailhead: From the Baker Lake Rd., turn right on Baker Dam Rd. Cross the dam and turn left on FS-1107. At 9 miles, turn left to reach the trailhead in 1 mile. Northwest Forest Pass required.
