u/Still_gra8ful

So excited! Later Sept have a 3 night 4 day itinerary starting at Hannegan Pass Trailhead then Copper Creek, Indian Creek, and Copper Lake for campsites. I have seen clockwise recommend and not sure why I reserved it this way but going with it.

So now starting to think through more of the details. I usually use trail runners but that time of year wondering if I might want something warmer or waterproof? Also bear canister necessary or do people use ur sacks? Rental car considerations for driving to Hannegan Pass? Do I need a 4 wheel drive? Staging the day before at the Blue T since the Silver Fir campground is shut down by the time I get there. Any other thoughts? My first time in Washington state ever. Been backpacking since 2014 but do not want to underestimate the remoteness, conditions, and respect the area.

Dreams were crushed today. I went to the fireplace showroom for info gathering on getting a wood insert. I felt very lucky to have a knowledgeable salesperson help me out and had my dimensions and a picture of the fireplace. He said due to my fireplace being an open wood prefab unit that I don't have the right chimney for an insert and would need to do a wood high efficiency unit which due to my dimensions (42 long and 25 high) probably wouldn't fit and would need masonry work. He suggested a gas insert which I don't love the look of. We live rural on propane and have a ton of free wood on property. Would love to hear alternatives.
My husband can do the work, we would be looking at unit cost only.
Is there a way to make my current open wood prefab unit efficient (right now it's like an open window)?
Could I make a wood stove look good without too much demolition?
He wrote rough estimates that include install and demo so ignore the prices since we will do the work ourselves.

Edit to add: thanks for all the thoughts and ideas! Looks like it won’t be this winter due to our project list so will lurk and dream another year. My hope is that I can do a freestanding unit.

Copper ridge trip planned, few questions.

Found out I can’t get a wood insert and need alternatives.