Ptarmigan Ridge/Mt. Baker, WA - 9/2013
What a perfect day it was for the last summer day in PNW! Mt.
Baker's Ptarmigan trail was full of hikers marching in and out to make
it memorable at the end of the season.
Amazing hike, I must say....Ptarmigan Ridge. I'd list this trail among my top 5 most beautiful and spectacular hikes in N. Cascades. You must do this hike to believe me. I couldn't resist feeling awestruck and dropping my jaw all along. Don't forget to look back as you hike because Mt. Shaksun and Mt. Baker keep following you in front and in back, also with N. Cascades range on your side. Part of Ptarmigan Ridge is normally covered with perpetual snow and ice even in summer, but the unusually warm weather this summer melted snow/ice and exposed Ptarmigan's moon-like landscape creating an effortless access to view Coleman Glacier (north climbing route to summit Mt. Baker). I saw 7 mountain goats en route, which was a pleasant surprise and special treat with such an amazing hike. Two thumbs UP! By the way, to add to the memorable hike, save your time to stop by at Picture Lake and capture a mirror reflection of Mt. Shuksan before sunset. It is picturesque, indeed.
Amazing hike, I must say....Ptarmigan Ridge. I'd list this trail among my top 5 most beautiful and spectacular hikes in N. Cascades. You must do this hike to believe me. I couldn't resist feeling awestruck and dropping my jaw all along. Don't forget to look back as you hike because Mt. Shaksun and Mt. Baker keep following you in front and in back, also with N. Cascades range on your side. Part of Ptarmigan Ridge is normally covered with perpetual snow and ice even in summer, but the unusually warm weather this summer melted snow/ice and exposed Ptarmigan's moon-like landscape creating an effortless access to view Coleman Glacier (north climbing route to summit Mt. Baker). I saw 7 mountain goats en route, which was a pleasant surprise and special treat with such an amazing hike. Two thumbs UP! By the way, to add to the memorable hike, save your time to stop by at Picture Lake and capture a mirror reflection of Mt. Shuksan before sunset. It is picturesque, indeed.
How to get there:
From Bellingham follow the Mount Baker Highway (State Route 542) east
for 34 miles to the Glacier Public Service Center. Drive another 25
miles to the road end at the mega parking lot for Artist Point (elev.
5140 ft). Privy available.
Trailhead....Artist Point
Distance....10 miles RT
Elevation gain....1,900 ft
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