Hiking Ptarmigan Ridge in the Mount Baker Wilderness
Contents
Ptarmigan Ridge Hike Information
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 19.00Km (11.80 Miles)
Elevation Gain: 739m (2,428 Ft.)
Highest Elevation: 1,990m (6,529 Ft.)
Average Gradient: 7.78%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 7 – 8 Hours
– Moderate: 6 – 7 Hours
– Fast: 5 – 6 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: ~July to October
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: None
Ptarmigan Ridge Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 48°50’48.8″N 121°41’32.4″W
Ptarmigan Ridge Overview
Ptarmigan Ridge is a very popular hike in the Mount Baker Wilderness area of northern Washington. Thanks to the ability to park at over 1,500m (4,920 Ft.) combined with a well maintained trail, this hike is accessible for all abilities and offers incredible views for the entire hike. The trail follows a gentle ridge below Table Mountain and Coleman Pinnacle, offering constant views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan throughout.
While most people will complete this as a day hike, camping is also popular towards the end of the trail, notably at Goat Lake and the plateau before it, as well as at Camp Kiser shortly before the final push. There are also plenty of options for extending this hike if you want something a little longer, such as Huntoon Point or Table Mountain, both of which are worthy additions. Adventurous parties may even tack on Chain Lakes on the way back.
While this is a well maintained trail, it is not that well signposted (in fact there are barely any), so an offline map is strongly recommended. The trail is also rugged in spots, with plenty of boulders to navigate at times. As such, don’t show up here in sneakers and expect it to be a walk in a park, sturdy boots are necessary.
In terms of seasonality, due to the elevation of this hike it is pretty much a peak summer trail for the majority. Ski tourers can and do adventure in this area, but knowledge and experience in avalanche terrain is a must if doing so. While you can theoretically snowshoe this hike in winter it’s significantly more challenging and passes through complex avalanche terrain. You will also start the hike lower down at the winter trailhead near Bagley Lakes, which would make this a much longer and more tiring day when on snowshoes. As such, a winter attempt isn’t recommended.
Generally speaking, July to October is the peak season, but you can absolutely still have snow along the trail at the start/end of this period, so if you want to guarantee snow free access, late July to the end of September are your best bet. If in doubt, check out AllTrails reviews for the latest conditions.
Dogs are welcome on this trail, and indeed are quite common. The terrain isn’t the friendliest for smaller dogs, and it’s a long hike with zero shade, so think twice before bringing a dog that isn’t made for hiking multiple hours in full sun.
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Is Ptarmigan Ridge worthwhile?
As with all hikes in this region this is an absolutely breathtaking hike with constant views throughout. It’s obvious why this is so popular. Similar to Chain Lakes it’s perhaps one of the best easily accessible hikes in the Pacific Northwest.
How difficult is the hike to Ptarmigan Ridge?
At 19km (11.80 Miles) this is a relatively long outing, however it’s also a very benign one. With just 739m (2,428 Ft.) of elevation gain the average gradient is a mere 8% and for the most part it is so spread out you will rarely even feel like you are climbing. There are just a couple of spots where the trail is somewhat steep, but they are so brief it’s hardly worth noting.
There is nothing technical about this hike assuming you go in good conditions. If you time it too early there is a good chance lingering snow will impact the trail, which can make travel difficult. As such, it might be best to wait until the middle of August to ensure a seamless trip.
Ptarmigan Ridge Route Information
Mount Baker highway is a paved road accessible to all vehicles. To park anywhere in the area you will need to buy a Northwest Forest Pass. There is a clearly signed pullout to buy one along the highway nearer the end, so if you don’t already have one, stop there and buy it (credit cards accepted). You’ll want to park at the end of the highway at Artist Point. This lot can fill up quickly on a sunny summer weekend, so an early arrival is recommended.
From Artist Point you’ll want to head to the west side of the parking lot where you should pick up a trail that descends towards the nearby treeline. After following it briefly, you’ll soon break out of the trees, and in fact that will be the last patch of trees you’ll encounter for the entire hike, the rest of the trail is sun exposed. The trial now traverses beneath the southern flanks of Table Mountain as you work your way towards a pass between Table and Happy Bunny Butte. The views along this traverse are already outstanding, with both Shuksan and Baker offering jaw dropping views.
Once you reach the pass you’ll want to pay attention. You’ll find a signpost indicating that heading right will lead to the Chain Lakes Loop, and left will follow the Ptarmigan Ridge trail. Check your GPX if in doubt. From the pass you should see the next stretch of the trail as you’ll now have to descend beneath the western slopes of Happy Bunne Butte, crossing a few creeks from the snowmelt flowing off it.
You’ll soon be on the climb again as you work your way up to the ridge of an unnamed bump , gently climbing towards it as the trail again traverses with Baker and Coleman Pinnacle in the distance. The trail soon traverses beneath the southern slopes of the impressive Coleman Pinnacle, and shortly after you’ll reach a junction. If you look carefully you should see a faint trail leading towards a beautiful blue/green lake to the south of Coleman Pinnacle. This is where many parties like to camp, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re tempted, it’s not too far to go and check it out.
Assuming you continue ahead, the trail now wraps around the western flanks of Coleman Pinnacle before a gentle descent towards Camp Kiser. This is a nondescript campsite that is barely distinguishable if there isn’t anybody there. Shortly after Camp Kiser the smooth and obvious trail gives way to a less defined bootpath through the now rocky terrain of the “Portals”.
Once on this rocky terrain, any defined route is tricky to follow as there are unofficial routes all over the place. Still, the general direction is largely obvious, just keep ascending the ridge until you can’t go any further. The route ultimately concludes on the East Portal. You’ll know you’re there as there won’t really be anywhere to go as it’s largely surrounded by cliffs. The views from here will be staggering, with countless glaciers on display.
After resting at the East Portal you simply return back the way you came to the trailhead. If you’re feeling adventurous you could optionally detour via Chain Lakes on the way back.
When should I hike Ptarmigan Ridge?
If you want to avoid snow then you should probably time this one for mid-July to the end of September. June and even early July will still have snow around, in which case you’ll need microspikes at least, and even then you may end up having to turn around as there will be a lot of side hilling on slick terrain in the early season. At some point in October the snow will return.
Top Tip
There is basically no shade on this hike, so bring plenty of sun protection. Also bring bug spray, as certain times of the summer they can be bad.
This is a very popular area, so an early start is suggested if going on a weekend. Ideally you’ll be at the trailhead by 8am to ensure a parking spot.
If you want to extend the hike, consider adding on either Chain Lakes, Huntoon Point or Table Mountain. On the flip side, if you want to cut it short, this is a favorable hike for stopping before reaching the end. Many parties will do this as the views are so good the entire time it’s one of those hikes where you can turn around at any point and not feel hard done by. That being said, the up close glacier views from the East Portal are worth the effort.
