Definition
Hannegan Peak is a mountain summit located in the North Cascades of the U.S. state of Washington.
Overview
The peak lies within the North Cascades National Park Complex, near the boundary of Whatcom County and Skagit County. It is situated along the ridge that includes Hannegan Pass and Hannegan Creek, and is commonly accessed by hikers traveling the Hannegan Pass Trail. The mountain is part of the larger Cascade Range, which extends from British Columbia through Washington and Oregon into Northern California.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Hannegan” is shared with nearby geographic features such as Hannegan Pass, Hannegan Creek, and Hannegan Lake. The origin of the name is not definitively documented in publicly available sources. It is likely derived from the name of an early settler, explorer, or surveyor associated with the region, but accurate information is not confirmed.
Characteristics
- Elevation: Approximately 6,200 feet (about 1,890 meters) above sea level. Precise elevation figures vary among sources, and the exact height has not been universally standardized.
- Topography: Hannegan Peak rises sharply from the surrounding valleys, featuring steep, rugged slopes typical of the North Cascades. The summit is composed primarily of metamorphic and intrusive igneous rock common to the region.
- Climate: The mountain experiences a maritime alpine climate, with heavy snowfall in winter and cool, moist conditions in summer. Weather patterns are influenced by Pacific Ocean fronts that rise over the Cascades, causing orographic precipitation.
- Flora and Fauna: Vegetation on the lower slopes includes subalpine fir, western hemlock, and western white pine. Alpine meadows above the treeline host a variety of wildflowers. Wildlife such as black bears, marmots, and mountain goats are known to inhabit the area.
- Recreation: The summit is a destination for hikers and mountaineers, often approached via the Hannegan Pass Trail, a moderate to strenuous route that traverses alpine terrain, passes Hannegan Lake, and offers views of surrounding peaks such as Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker.
Related Topics
- North Cascades National Park Complex – The protected area that encompasses Hannegan Peak and surrounding wilderness.
- Hannegan Pass – A mountain pass adjacent to the peak, frequently used as a trailhead for accessing the summit.
- Cascade Range – The major mountain range of the Pacific Northwest, of which Hannegan Peak is a part.
- Alpine ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest – The broader ecological context for the flora and fauna found on Hannegan Peak.
- Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker – Prominent neighboring peaks visible from Hannegan Peak.