- 100 Classic Hikes of Washington
Ptarmigan Ridge Trail Guide in the Mount Baker Wilderness
Ptarmigan Ridge Trail is located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and after multiple failed attempts to complete it, I finally did! What a phenomenal and breathtaking trail from start to finish. The trailhead starts in the famous Artist Point Parking Lot which has epic views in and of itself. Add Ptarmigan Ridge to your Bucketlist!
As one of the Classic Hikes of Washington, I was eager to hike this trail but as soon as I was on the return trip, I was not eager for it to end. You will find that this trail has spectacular vistas along the entirety of the trail!
Let’s get into it!
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Complete Guide to Hiking the Beautiful Ptarmigan Ridge Trail
Welcome to the Complete Guide to Hiking Ptarmigan Ridge Trail where you will receive all of the information you need to safely hike this epic trail in the Mount Baker Wilderness. This guide includes all of the following information to make your journey safe and enjoyable:
- How to Access the Trail: Getting to the Trailhead, Trailhead Facilities, Best Season to Visit, and required passes/permits
- What to Pack: What gear you will need and clothes suitable for your trek
- Hiking Expectations: A detailed description of the trail and what to expect on your hike
- Commonly Asked Questions: I review some commonly asked questions people are looking for answers to!
- Classic or Not: Ptarmigan Ridge Trail is a 100 Classic Hike of Washington, but should it be?
- Hikes in the Area: The Mount Baker Wilderness is brimming with fantastic hikes! Let’s look at them!
If you’re ready to dive into the guide, let’s get to it by learning how to access the trail!
General Trail Stats
Region: Mount Baker Wilderness – North Cascades
Distance: 11.8 miles
Level: Moderate – Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 2,400 ft
Time: 7 hours +
When to Go: Aug – Oct
Pass/Permit?: Northwest Forest Pass
Dogs Allowed?: yes – On Leash
Date Completed: September 29th, 2023
Accessing the Ptarmigan Ridge Trailhead
Here’s everything you need to know about getting to the trailhead!
Where is the trailhead location?
Ptarmigan Ridge is located on the ancestral lands of the Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla, and Nooksack tribes. We are grateful for the stewards of this land past and present. We are honored to be and recognize that we are guests on this land.
Getting to the trailhead
To get to the trailhead, you will need to take the Mount Baker Highway.
Take 1-5 North to exit 255 and head east through the town of Glacier. There is a Service Center there with restrooms and up-to-date information on the trails in the Mount Baker Wilderness including closures and permits.
Continue on SR 542 towards Artist Point. The trailhead is located at Artist Point which boasts 160 parking spaces. This might seem like a lot but I am telling you it fills up EARLY especially on a sunny, beautiful summer weekend.
Trailhead Facilities
The facilities at Artist Point include a men’s and women’s pit toilet bathroom. Hand sanitizer is provided in this pit toilet restroom.
There are bear-safe garbage cans. Please pack out all of your trash if you can!
Season to Visit
Ptarmigan Ridge has a very short season. Since the trail is only accessible from Artist Point, which opens late in the season and closes early in the season, the summer months are truly the only safe time to complete the trail.
In July, the road to Artist Point will open making the trailhead accessible. It will close again sometime in October, depending on the weather.
There will likely still be snow on the trail throughout August, so be sure to bring gaiters and spikes for a safe journey!
When I completed the trail in September, there was recent snow making the trail slick in the shaded parts!
Passes/Permit
The trailhead is located in the Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest and is managed by the Mount Baker Ranger District.
This means the trailhead requires a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
The Northwest Forest Pass grants you access to all National Forest Areas in Washington and Oregon and has an annual $30 fee.
The America the Beautiful Pass grants you access to all National Forests and National Parks in the United States and has an annual fee of $80.
Purchase an America the Beautiful Pass here!
Now that you have some basic information about the trailhead, let’s get into what you should bring on your hike!
What to Pack for Your Ptarmigan Ridge Trek
What you pack and wear to hiking Ptarmigan Ridge is mostly going to depend on personal preference, however since Ptarmigan Ridge is snowy for a significant amount of time throughout the year, this packing list is tailored to those conditions.
When packing for this trek or any trek, you will need to bring the 10 essentials of hiking with you. If you’re unfamiliar with the ten essentials of hiking, you can read about them here!
Gear
The trail is covered in snow for a significant portion of the year. Even in the summer, you can expect to be trudging through sloshy snow.
Here is the gear I would suggest you bring with you for safe travel through the terrain.
Some areas of the trail can get steep or icy along some drop-offs. For added balance, I would recommend bringing a pair of trekking poles! The Black Diamond Carbon Cork Trekking Poles are phenomenal!
Especially in the morning, the trail can be icy when you make the initial descent along the rock. Bring a pair of crampons to add grip to your hiking boots as you navigate the icy sections.
Mitigate wet boots and socks by adding some gaiters to your pack. They are extremely beneficial in deep snow when post-holing could lead to getting snow in your boot.
The trail is eleven miles long and beautiful! Make sure you sit back and relax to enjoy the views and catch your breath. I love this Nemo seating pad and honestly, I might need a new one soon because I use it on almost every hike!
Clothing and Accessories
For this hike, I highly recommend wearing layers and bringing layers! Due to the length of the hike, temperatures will likely change throughout the day and weather could potentially change throughout the day.
A mid-layer is a great item to bring with you regardless of the time of year. It can act as an outer shell or an insulating layer! I use the Patagonia Better Sweater and it is perfect.
A down, insulating outer layer will be great for cool mornings or when you take a break along the trail.
This is the Atom Insulated Hoodie by Arc’teryx!
Pack a beanie to conserve heat!
Wool socks will help minimize the chance of blisters from both sweat and wet conditions. Bring an extra pair just in case conditions are extraordinarily wet so you can change them out.
All in all, wear what you’re comfortable hiking in, and be prepared for changing weather conditions!
Hiking Ptarmigan Ridge Trail
Embarking on the Ptarmigan Ridge trail is going to leave you feeling fulfilled and inspired. Here is a detailed description of what it is like to hike the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail and what to expect along the way.
Mile 1
The first mile of the hike begins at Artist Point and shares the trail with Chain Lakes Loop. The easy-to-follow trail has a gentle grade as you hike alongside Table Mountain (a short and spicy trail).
This short section of trail is filled with wildflowers in July and in September you can see the Grouse beginning to change into their winter colors. There are incredible views all around as this section is very exposed. Bring sun protection!
At the end of mile one, you’ll reach the fork where the trail splits between Ptarmigan Ridge and Chain Lakes Loop. It can be easy to miss! Stay to the left for Ptarmigan Ridge and veer right for Chain Lakes Loop.
Mile 2
This mile is also very exposed to the sun. After veering off from Chain Lakes Loop Trail, you’ll begin to descend. The loss of elevation gain is steep, offering a number of switchbacks before hiking along a rocky outcropping. Shaded by mountains, this section of trail receives very little light until the middle of the day, making it icy and at points treacherous.
Mile two consists of elevation loss and minimal elevation gain. The views are incredible and overlook the valley but it’s just a little glimpse of the beauty that is to come.
The trail eventually flattens out into a terrain that is reminiscent of ancient volcanic activity. The dark rock and soil were prominent against the fresh snow when I was there. Streams flow through this area creating beautiful sections of vibrant green vegetation and wildflowers.
Begin gaining elevation again as the trail weaves along Coleman Pinnacle. Switchbacks start up again leading to the ridgeline that you’ll follow to the Ptarmigan Vista.
Mile 3
Mile three has an elevation gain grade between 5 – 20% for the entirety of the mile. A section of trees offers you a spot to stop and rest in some shade for the first time in a few miles. You’ll walk along a narrow trail with steep drop-off while Mount Shuksan and her beautiful glacier stay in your peripherals.
This section of trail is made up of mostly dirt and can become muddy as snow begins to melt.
This section of the trail was lovely and easy to follow. The three miles end at a vista with captivating views of Mount Shuksan. We stopped here to take in all of the captivating beauty.
This is a popular turnaround point for people looking for a shorter trail with epic views! There are more amazing views to come for those willing to push a little further.
Mile 4
Mile 4 brings you just below Coleman Pinnacle. A large outcropping of rocky terrain makes it a perfect resting stop or turn-around stop.
The trail leading up to the outcropping is extremely rocky, making it a challenge to navigate as many of the rocks are loose. Step carefully!
Look below you every once in a while as you’ll be provided with views of Goat Lakes below Coleman Pinnacle. This is another solid stopping point for people looking to shorten the hike. With all of the exposure to the sun, we definitely considered turning around here.
Mile 5
Hiking this mile is relatively flat again following along the backside of Coleman Pinnacle and along the Park Glacier Route leading to Camp Kiser.
Hugging the rocky mountainside you climb the last overlook of Mount Baker.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail?
The Ptarmigan Ridge Trail spans approximately 11.8 miles, with an elevation gain of around 2,400 feet. It is rated as a moderate hike, featuring sections of challenging terrain, including snow patches and steep slopes.
However, there are multiple areas along the trail with spectacular views that you could choose to turn around at and it would still be worth doing!
When is the best time to hike ptarmigan ridge?
The Ptarmigan Ridge trail is typically accessible from late July to early October. The best time to hike is considered late summer to early fall (mid-August to early October), offering cleared snow and stunning wildflower displays.
Can I camp along Ptarmigan Ridge?
Yes, camping is permitted along Ptarmigan Ridge. Popular camping spots include Goat Lake and the plateau above it. Ensure you are at least a mile past the junction with the Chain Lakes Trail for camping.
You can also camp at Camp Kiser which is just below the last push to the pinnacle of Ptarmigan Ridge.
Are there any seasonal restrictions or closures of Ptarmigan Ridge?
Due to heavy snowfall, the road to Artist Point is usually closed beyond the ski area from November to June. Winter access to Artist Point is possible by parking at the Bagley Lakes Trailhead and snowshoeing up.
Snowshoeing Ptarmigan Ridge is NOT recommended.
Is Ptarmigan Ridge DogFriendly?
Dogs are allowed on the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail but must be kept on a leash. Ensure you adhere to Leave No Trace principles, pack out waste, and be mindful of the trail’s terrain and conditions for your furry companion.
I will say that I opted to leave my dog Meatball at home for this one because of the length, difficulty, and exposure of the trail.
What safety precautions should I take on Ptarmigan Ridge?
Hikers should be prepared for variable trail conditions, including snow patches. Check recent trail conditions, carry essential gear such as trekking poles, and be aware of potential hazards, especially if venturing beyond the official trail endpoint.
Should Ptarmigan Ridge Be a 100 Classic Hike of WA?
I am hiking all “100 Classic Hikes of Washington”. But the question is, Should Ptarmigan Ridge be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington?
This hike has been on my list for years! The wait did not disappoint. The trail has spectacular views of the Mount Baker Wilderness throughout the entirety of the trail.
While the accessibility of the trail is limited throughout the year because of snow, anyone who is okay with trekking through snow in the summer will love it!
My vote is yes and I will absolutely be back on the trail to backpack to Goat Lakes!
Let me know in the comments if you think Ptarmigan Ridge should be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington!
If you’d like to complete your own 100 Classic Hikes journey, you can purchase the book here.
Amazing Hikes in the Mount Baker Wilderness
Lake Ann
Lake Ann is a phenomenal day hike and entry-level backpacking trip. Get amazing views of Mount Shuskan.
Chain Lakes Loop
Chain Lakes Loop shares the beginning of the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail. This epic trail is popular for day hikers and backpackers alike. It is actually the first backpacking trip I took my sister on when she moved to Washington!
Pack It Up
Whether you’re contemplating Ptarmigan Ridge as a day hike or an overnight trek, you’re guaranteed to love it! With its diverse terrain and spectacular views, this is an adventure unlike any other.
If you’re looking for additional adventures in the Mount Baker Wilderness, I cannot recommend Chain Lakes Loop and Lake Ann enough. Both make exceptional day hikes or backpacking trips as well!
Happy Hiking!
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
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Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
