Pacific Northwest Trail: Hannegan to Ross Dam

This entry follows the Hannegan-to-Ross-Dam route: 49.3 miles one way, not a loop or an out-and-back. It links the Hannegan, Chilliwack, Brush Creek, Little Beaver, Big Beaver and Ross Dam trails, so arrange a ride or a second car at the far end. No standard hiking time is published; allow at least four days, with about 36 hours on foot as a planning estimate for the distance and three high passes. A separate 63-mile figure counts the Pacific Northwest Trail across the wider North Cascades complex; this entry describes the shorter, endpoint-specific itinerary.

From Hannegan Trailhead, the route climbs to Hannegan Pass at 5,060 feet, drops into the Chilliwack drainage, then works through Brush Creek and Little Beaver before crossing Whatcom Pass at 5,200 feet. The route descends through Big Beaver and crosses Beaver Pass at 3,654 feet on the way to Ross Dam. The northern unit has low trail density and a vast wilderness around the Picket Range, so expect long stretches of remote valleys between the high crossings.

One of the route's distinctive stretches passes the park's largest stand of massive old-growth western red cedars. Near the Hannegan end, look from Hannegan Pass Trail across Ruth Creek valley toward Mount Sefrit's jagged eastern ridge. The ridge, snow patches and cloud bank make a particularly good composition when the view is clear enough to see the crest.

Route-finding is part of the trip. Much of the Pacific Northwest Trail is unsigned, and its route options can change; take the current official strip maps and an offline backup, and know how to use both. Little Beaver is not regularly maintained and can be difficult to follow. Perry and Redoubt Creek crossings can be difficult early in the season, so do not assume that a foot log will be present or usable.

A backcountry permit is required year-round for overnight stays in North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and camping is limited to designated sites. Plan camps and permits before setting out. Dogs are not allowed on trails in the National Park, so leave them behind for this traverse. No on-route food service or other visitor amenities were verified; plan to carry your meals and a water-treatment system for a self-supported trip.

Begin at Hannegan Trailhead at the end of Forest Road 32 and finish at Ross Dam Trailhead from State Route 20. Parking capacity, fees and amenities were not established in the sources checked. Check road and trail access before the trip and arrange transport between the two trailheads.