Copper Ridge Trail

Copper Ridge Trail is a point-to-point backcountry leg from Boundary Camp to Indian Creek Camp, listed at 13.9 miles one way. It climbs steeply onto a high ridge, crosses about seven miles of open subalpine meadows with long mountain views, then drops into the Chilliwack River valley and its braided channels. This is not a stand-alone car hike: Boundary Camp is five miles beyond Hannegan Pass Trailhead, and Indian Creek Camp has no road access. Most visitors fold it into a multi-day wilderness loop, returning through the valley on the Chilliwack River Trail. The 13.9-mile figure includes the short valley leg from the Copper Ridge junction to Indian Creek Camp.

The stored route begins at the fork near Boundary Camp, not at the parking area. From Hannegan Pass Trailhead, the approach climbs through silver fir and avalanche openings to Hannegan Pass, with Ruth Mountain in view, then descends through forest and talus to the Chilliwack headwaters. Allow about five miles each way just to reach Boundary Camp. The Copper Ridge branch turns uphill there; plan the full return route or an overnight itinerary before starting.

From Boundary Camp the Copper Ridge path climbs hard, then opens into roughly seven miles of subalpine meadow. The ridge rises and dips past Silesia, Egg Lake and Copper Lake rather than following a level crest. Brush and blueberry growth can narrow the tread in places. On clear days, look for Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker in the surrounding range; leave a strip of trail or meadow in the foreground for scale. Stay on the main path and durable ground around the lakes: fragile vegetation is recovering from past damage.

Copper Mountain Lookout sits near the high point, about 6,260 feet. Treat the building as a landmark, not an assured open shelter; current access to it has not been established. The ridge is hot and dry in summer, and water is sparse. Carry enough for the climb and do not count on small seasonal streams. Silesia, Egg Lake and Copper Lake are designated camps with composting toilets and food-storage lockers.

After Copper Lake the trail loses about 2,400 feet in five miles into the Chilliwack valley. The descent is steep and remote. At the bottom, the route crosses braided channels of the Chilliwack River, follows a flagged path to Indian Creek, then reaches Indian Creek Camp. This is the stretch where it is easiest to lose the tread among gravel bars, so don't wander looking for a simpler crossing. The Chilliwack ford is only for low water; high flow can make it unsafe. Steep snow may persist into July and can require an ice axe.

Overnight stays in the national park require a backcountry permit. Fires are prohibited at Boundary and the Copper Ridge camps, and pets are prohibited at Boundary Camp and beyond. Hannegan Pass Trailhead sits at the end of Hannegan Road; parking requires a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass. The lot has space for about 30 vehicles plus roadside shoulders, a vault toilet, a shelter and a bearproof garbage bin. Carry food and plan water before leaving town.