Hannegan Peak Trail

Yesterday we decided to take advantage of the wonderful blue sky and head out on a hike. We wanted to hike something that was new to both of us and so we headed into the US on the Mt. Baker highway to the Hannegan Pass.
We started by hiking 4 miles up the Ruth Creek Valley on the Hannegan Pass Trail. The first 4 miles is a relative slow incline and we were 2000 some feet higher than when we started. We stopped for lunch at the overnight camp and then headed up the "more difficult" part from there.

Let me just say here that I'm quite accustomed to thinking in kilometers and so the 5 mile hike one way didn't seem like it would be that much of a stretch for me.
The scenery was just spectacular. We weren't sure which peak we were exactly heading for. At one point I looked at the snow topped mountains, and wondered if we would reach snow, OH please not.

Terry has stamina for hiking up and I huff and puff behind him . . .squeaking out . ."stopping" at regular intervals. Every time I do this I vow to get into shape so that the next hiking expedition will be easier. But of course . . ..it never seems to happen.

As we left the tree line, we were treated to wild blueberries. We found that picking a handful and then popping them in our mouth was a huge flavour burst.
I sat down in the middle of a patch, or rather laid down, and munched on the berries within reach.


The last mile to the peak is a elevation climb of another 1200 feet. The elevation is 6,186 feet at the summit. The view is just tremendous in every direction.

The air was definitely thinner up there than I'm accustomed to breathing.

The top of the mountain was absolutely worth it. We ate fresh apples up there and enjoyed the snow. 3500 feet higher than where we had started 4 hours earlier. If you want to see more of the pictures . .you can see them on the web album here.

So, that was our Wednesday date. We started the trail at 10 in the morning and made it back to the truck at 5:30. The last 3 miles of the trail seemed to last forever and the soft seat of the truck felt just amazing.
We decided to make this our September hike every year. We'll see, I'll need a day or two to feel any sort of inclination to climb up the snow peaked mountains again.
Have a wonderful day . . . ..

Comments

  1. We have hiked many times in the Mt. Baker area and the beauty is of course a given --- your photos prove it....
    But I remember the September blueberries...They are unreal!!
    How good are they??
    I don't even like blueberries but wild blueberries are a flavor celebration!!

    You did great --- I crown you
    Miss Mountaineer!!

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  2. OK...I'm ready for a hike! Such beauty so close to home...with just a little effort (well, maybe a lot!)

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  3. You need to GET in shape????
    I think that hike says you are in shape...or in shape enough that it was a fun hike. Waht a view! I would love to do that hike.
    I'll bet you were glad to see the pictures the next day when the muscles might have had a little feed back for ya!

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  4. What a beautiful day and look at that scenery! I enjoyed it along with you, even though it's only vicariously. I would never make it on such a hike...what a great way to get into shape, with beautiful mountains to look at, wild blueberries to enjoy, and clean, clean air...

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  5. Oh you live in such a beautiful part of the country...
    and you take such good pictures to show the rest of us
    thank you,

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  6. WOW! Thank you for sharing such beautiful pictures. Looks like ya'll had a great time!

    Linda

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  7. Wow! Thanks for sharing this hike with those of us who sat and scrap-booked or whatever. A hike like that isn't just a fun date, but an accomplishment to be thankful for!
    You are inspiring!

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  8. Sounds like you had a GREAT day! Loved the pics.
    Doris also notices it when the air begins to get thinner. I myself don't notice any difference. Even at 13000' I feel completely normal. Did you notice that it became colder by approximately 1.87 degrees C. for each 1000' you climbed??

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  9. James, now I'm chuckling . .no I definately did not notice that it got a bit cooler. I was climbing and staying quite (okay . .make that very) warm.

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  10. All I have to say is ...

    The hills are alive, with the sound of music ... aaaah aaaah aaaah aaaah!!!

    Seriously, that picture after the blueberries looks like the Von Trapps should be walking through there. Beautiful!

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