What is the current condition of the Muddy Gulley section of the trail?

Reports from [July 5](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-06.133622597361) described the Muddy Gulley as slippery with mud and wet slickrock, with streams flowing through a washout. By [September 8](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-11.095711504571), the gully was reported as totally dry. No subsequent reports have specifically detailed this section since then.

Is there any remaining snow on the trail to Ruth Mountain?

As of [September 4](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-08.113031535689), the trail was snow-free. Earlier reports from [July 24](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-26.221626592318) and July 5 indicated snow-covered sections that required gear and expertise, but these appear to have melted out by early September.

How difficult is the final ascent to Ruth Mountain's summit?

The final ascent to Ruth Mountain is described as very steep with a lot of rock scrambling, taking about 4 hours to cover the last 4.4 miles according to a report from [September 4](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-08.113031535689). Another report from [September 8](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-11.095711504571) also noted a steep gully climb, though it was dry at that time.

What is the parking situation like at the Hannegan Trailhead?

The parking lot at Hannegan Trailhead had 5-10 spots occupied on a Friday at 11 am on [September 4](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-08.113031535689), but it was noted that it seemed to fill up over the weekend. Earlier in the season, on [July 24](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-26.221626592318), the parking area was very busy with backpackers.

Ruth Mountain

North Cascades

updated 2 weeks ago

The trail to Ruth Mountain is largely in good condition, with the most notable obstacle being a steep gully climb that was reported as dry and manageable with roots for handholds on September 8. Reports from early July indicated snow-covered sections requiring specific gear and expertise, particularly around a snow slope and the Muddy Gulley area which had slippery mud and wet slickrock. However, by early September, the trail was snow-free. Road access is suitable for all vehicles according to multiple reports from July and September. Parking at the Hannegan Trailhead can fill up, especially on weekends, as noted on September 4. The summit route itself is described as very steep with significant rock scrambling, taking several hours for the final push, but offering incredible views.

Generated from 11 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Ruth Mountain

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

Reports from July 5 described the Muddy Gulley as slippery with mud and wet slickrock, with streams flowing through a washout. By September 8, the gully was reported as totally dry. No subsequent reports have specifically detailed this section since then.