Ruth Mountain is located in the North Cascades near the Mount Baker Ski Area. It is often viewed from it's more popular neighbor Hannegan Peak and Hannegan Pass. Ruth Mountain is mostly a hike up but does involve some glacier travel near it's summit making a rope recommended. Most people go up this peak in a day, while the more ambitious people do the Icy Peak traverse that goes up both summits. Round trip it is around 12 miles in distance and a little over 4,000 feet of elevation gain car to car. The mild northern slopes off of Ruth propose an excellent option for a ski descent in the late Winter or Spring.
A bonus to this moral building climb is the unique view of Mount Shuksan. Shuksan is most recognizable and photographed from the northwest around the Baker ski area, but the angle from Ruth displays Nooksack Tower and three glaciers cascading steeply into the valley below. Slides and avalanches can be witnessed by sight or sound from this massive face of ice and rock.
The approach begins at the Hannegan Pass trailhead and takes you up a North Cascade valley that on a given day you will have all to yourself. Bald Eagles have been seen hunting in this area, so keep your eyes peeled and camera handy.
Crevasses on Ruth
Snow Bridge
Approaching Ruth
Stream Above the Trail
Going towards Ruth
Getting There
View Easy Directions from google maps to get exact directions from your location.
Ruth Mountain is located in the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest in the North Cascades. Take I-5 to Bellingham then head east on WA 542/Mount Baker Highway for close to an hour. Once past the town of Glacier, by about 13 miles, take a left onto the Nooksack River Road 32. This is a dirt road just before the Nooksack River Bridge. If you find yourself driving with the Nooksack River on your left, or you arrive at the Mt. Baker ski area, you’ve gone too far.
Drive up the Nooksack River Road and at about a mile and a half take the uphill branch (FR 402) to the left. Proceed for about four miles to the end where there is a large parking lot with restrooms and a campground. Here you will find the Hennegan Pass trailhead. During the Winter and early Spring months it is not uncommon for large fallen trees to block this dirt road. Be prepared to hike an extra few miles to the parking lot and trailhead during the pre-season.
Standard Route
The trip starts out as a gentile 4 mile hike though the Ruth Creek valley towards Hannegan Pass. Looming above the valley is Mount Sefrit to the South while Ruth Mountain is the glacier covered peak to the southeast. During the summer it is best to get through this section before the heat of the day due to the vegetation creating a lot of humidity.
Hiking towards Ruth Mountain
At over four miles up the valley just before Hennegan Pass (5000’), head south off the trail and up a relatively steep ridge toward the subsidiary peak (5963’). You will face a little exposure here, be prepared with your axe. Traverse on the bench to the left/east around the rock block. If it is a clear day, Ruth will be in full view by this point. From here the route is straight forward. Head up a broad ridge on snow to the top. Just before reaching the small rocky summit, you’ll cross the upper tip of the Ruth Glacier. Crevasses are not a common problem on this glacier, but can appear in the summer.
The Route up Ruth Mountain
Red Tape
There are no permits for this climb as long as you do the standard North Face Route. Keep in mind that during the summer there are black flies and mosquitoes which can bring down the enjoyment level if one is hanging out at the lower elevations.
Many creeks can be found on the way to Hannegan Pass which one could filter water or in later season you might find trickles near the Ruth Glacier. And of course when all else fails there is the glacier itself for water.
Hannegan Pass has been known for bear encounters, so keep your goodies stashed away when camping. I personally was about 15 feet from a bear in this area.
When To Climb
The best months to climb Ruth are April through October. It is possible to climb before that, which would be preferred for touring with skis, but use extreme caution in this avalanche prone area.
Camping
Camping is located at the Hannegan Pass trailhead. A few scattered sights can be found around Hannegan Pass.
Mountain Conditions
Gloomy Atmosphere
Crevasses on the Route
This area of the North Cascades receives a tremendous amount of snowfall each year. Due to it’s western location among the Cascades, Ruth is subject to quick and bad weather.
For current weather information on Ruth Mountain check in with the Noaa Forecast.
Check in with the Forest Service Website for more information on the current road conditions which can be found at Road Number 32 "Hannegan". (the link give you most of the Mt. Baker Highway hikes)
Mt. Baker Scenic Byway
