Copper Mountain Lookout is a remote outpost in North Cascades National Park overlooking some of the most rugged territory in Washington. The site is a popular destination since it lies in the path of a popular multi-day loop hike. The 10 miles reaching the site are exceptionally scenic offering the full variety of terrain from deep valleys to mountain passes to alpine ridges.
Elevation: 6,260 feet
Distance: 10 miles one-way
Elevation Gain: 3,700 going in, 1,000 way back
Access: Good gravel roads, NW Forest Pass
Washington Fire Lookouts
Access:
Take exit 255 off I-5 (Sunset/Mt. Baker Highway). Go east 31 miles to Glacier, continue past Glacier on the Mt. Baker Highway 542 for 12.5 miles to a left turn on FS road #32 (Hannegan Road). Follow for 5 miles staying left at turns to the end of the road and trailhead. There is some walk-in camping at the trailhead.
Route:
Hike up the gentle trail as it climbs 4.2 miles to Hannegan Pass. From the pass, drop down 0.9 miles to a junction and camp at the National Park boundary. A left goes up to Copper Ridge. Follow this trail 4.8 miles to the ridgetop and then scenic ups and downs until reaching the lookout on a sub-summit of Cooper Mountain.
Copper Mountain Lookout
History:
The lookout was built around 1932. It is a gable-roofed L-4 cab that is used by wilderness rangers in the summer. Although remote, the destination has always been popular. It seems the trailhead is the same today as it was in the 1930s. We learn from an October 1936 issue of Sis Twenty-Six discussing Copper “The most remote station with a ten mile one way hike had about 37 visitors this season.” In 1942, the lookout was used by the Army as an Aircraft Warning Service outpost. The AWS built a sleeping quarters too although no image is available of this structure. It should be noted that AWS records also show a cabin was built at Hannegan Pass with AWS funds. It is unclear if the plan was to use Hannegan Pass during the winter but no records make this case. One document below (before the first winter) says that Copper Mountain Lookout should be discontinued for winter use.
Activated: August 20, 1942; Deactivated: October 16, 1943
June 10, 1944: These cabins are surplus and are not used or needed by the Forest Service. It is recommended that they be abandoned, as cost of removal would be in excess of value. Removal would necessitate dismantling and packing out by pack animals.
Tare 7-1 Copper Mountain in Mt. Baker N.F. on National Forest Land, existing station winterised, to retain for the Forest Service. Inactivated 10/16/1943. Sleeping quarters built with AWS.
Document regarding winter locations
Copper Mountain AWS and others nearby
AWS History
September 25, 1935 Looking Southwest
September 25, 1935 Looking Souteast
September 25, 1935 Looking North
Sign on the lookout building
Trailhead shelter
Hannegan Pass Trailhead
Phone insulator near the start of the Copper Ridge Trail just inside the park
The final climb
Remaining ridge to the summit
Smoky lookout site now in view
Copper Mountain Fire Lookout
Inside the lookout