Copper Ridge Loop wilderness permit area in North Cascades National Park - backcountry hiking destination
ReservationThru-HikeHigh Demand

Copper Ridge Loop

North Cascades National Park

Stunning alpine traverse.

“Traverse North Cascades on the Copper Ridge.”

Get Availability Alerts

Be notified instantly when Copper Ridge permits become available.

Demand
High
7/10
Method
Reservation
Booking Method
First-Come, First-Served

Copper Ridge Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh7/10

Key Information

Permit Details

TypeThru-Hike
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level7/10
LocationNPS

How to Get This Permit

1

Create a Recreation.gov account

Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.

2

Know the release schedule

Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.

3

Be ready when permits drop

Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.

4

Monitor for cancellations

If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.

Apply at Recreation.gov

When to Go

Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall

Conditions

Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.

Crowd Level

Moderate

Advantages

  • +Longest days
  • +Warmest temperatures
  • +Reliable trail conditions

Challenges

  • !Peak demand for permits
  • !Book accommodations early
  • !Weather varies

Difficulty Assessment

Physical Demand1/5

Fitness and endurance required

Technical Skill1/5

Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills

Exposure Risk1/5

Steep dropoffs and fall potential

Navigation1/5

Route finding and trail clarity

Commitment4/5

Difficulty of bailing out mid-route

Best For

Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.

Recommended Experience

Basic hiking experience. Start with shorter trails if new to hiking.

The Experience

Why It Matters

Copper Ridge represents one of the great long-distance hiking experiences in North Cascades. The permit system manages use across multiple trailheads and campsites, preserving the wilderness character that makes this trail special.

Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Copper Ridge.

Want to access emergency info offline?Get the app →
🐻

Food Storage

Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.

Want to check food storage requirements?Get the app →

Copper Ridge FAQ

How do I get a Copper Ridge permit?

Copper Ridge permits are obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.

When is the best time to visit Copper Ridge?

Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Copper Ridge permit?

This permit has a demand score of 7/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.

What if I can't get a Copper Ridge permit?

Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.

Photography Guide

Golden Hour

Sunrise and sunset offer the best light for landscape shots along the trail. Camp positioning matters for catching alpenglow.

Best Light

Early morning provides crisp air and fewer hikers in your shots. Midday sun can be harsh in exposed areas.

Beat the Crowds

Start early to photograph popular viewpoints without crowds. Weekdays see significantly fewer hikers.

Classic Shots

  • 📍Trail marker or sign at Copper Ridge trailhead
  • 📍Panoramic views from high points
  • 📍Campsite at golden hour
  • 📍Trail winding through wilderness
  • 📍Completion photo at trail end

Other North Cascades Permits

Consider these alternatives or add them to your tracking list

Reservation7/10

Cascade Pass

Most popular alpine zone....

View Cascade Pass Zone permit details and availability
Reservation6/10

NC Backcountry

Required for wilderness overnight stays....

View North Cascades Backcountry Permit permit details and availability
Reservation5/10

Thunder Creek

Lush valley leading to glaciers....

View Thunder Creek permit details and availability
First-Come, First-Served5/10

Ross Lake

Remote lake with boat-in camping....

View Ross Lake permit details and availability