What are the conditions of the gully after Hannegan Pass?

The gully after Hannegan Pass is described as steep and eroded with very loose footing and mud, featuring steps over 6 feet high as of [October 16](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-17.140750177538). While it was dry and manageable for some on [September 8](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-11.095711504571), it could be challenging if wet and muddy according to a report from October 3.

Is there snow on the trail?

Recent reports from [October 16](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-17.140750177538), [October 16](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-16.194235508928), October 5, and October 3 all state that the trail is snow-free. However, earlier in the season on July 24, snow slopes required crampons and an ice axe, so conditions can change rapidly.

What is the road and parking situation?

The road to the trailhead is suitable for all vehicles, with only a few avoidable potholes noted on [October 16](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-17.140750177538). The parking lot had a few cars from backpackers early on October 16, and was busy with backpackers on [July 24](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-26.221626592318).

Are there any specific obstacles on the route to the summit?

Besides the steep gully, the route involves a rock field and rock scrambling around a large rock spire near the summit, as described on [October 16](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-17.140750177538) and [September 4](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-08.113031535689). Hikers have reported being able to avoid snow by staying to the right of the nunatak, a large rock next to the glacier, on October 3.

Ruth Mountain

North Cascades

updated 3 weeks ago

current conditions for Ruth Mountain are excellent for mid-October. Reports from October 16 and October 16 indicate the trail is snow-free and in good condition. The road to the trailhead is suitable for all vehicles, with only a few avoidable potholes noted on October 16. Bugs are not an issue according to recent reports. The main challenge remains the steep, eroded gully encountered after Hannegan Pass, described as having very loose footing and mud, with some steps over 6 feet high on October 16. However, hikers have successfully navigated this section and the subsequent Ruth Arm, which offers stunning views, without snow since at least October 3.

Generated from 15 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 3 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

No trip reports on this trail in 3 weeks, so everything below is at least that old.

The gully after Hannegan Pass is described as steep and eroded with very loose footing and mud, featuring steps over 6 feet high as of October 16. While it was dry and manageable for some on September 8, it could be challenging if wet and muddy according to a report from October 3.