- 100 Classic Hikes of Washington
Ptarmigan Ridge Trail Guide in the Mount Baker Wilderness
The Ptarmigan Ridge Trail is one of the prettiest trails in Washington State, and while popular, you won’t find yourself in a single-file line up to the top like some other nearby trails. There are very few spots along the trail where you will find yourself underneath the cover of trees, giving you incredible views almost the entire way to the east-side base of Mount Baker.
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
- Hiking Expectations: A detailed description of the trail and what to expect on your hike.
- What to Pack: The gear and clothes I would recommend
- Commonly Asked Questions: Answers to frequently asked questions are below!
- Classic Hike or Not: Ptarmigan Ridge Trail is a 100 Classic Hike of Washington, but should it be? (Hint: the answer is yes!)
- Other Hikes in the Area: The Mount Baker Wilderness is brimming with fantastic hikes!
If all of that sounds good to you, let’s get into it!
Just a heads up! This post contains affiliate links, which means I could earn a small commission from purchases at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Complete Hikers Guide to Ptarmigan Ridge in Mt. Baker
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 its entirety. making it one of the most visually beautiful trails in the area.
Know Before You Go
Before you head out to the trailhead for your hike, here is some important information to use for planning.
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
Where is the Ptarmigan Ridge 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 the Artist Point Trailhead, which boasts 160 parking spaces. This might seem like a large parking 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 and closes early in the season, the summer months are the only safe time to complete it.
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.
Now that you have some basic information about the trailhead, let’s get into what you should bring on your hike!
Hiking Ptarmigan Ridge Trail – Mile by Mile Guide
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 Chain Lakes Trail Junction, 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 the 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 the trail receives very little light until the middle of the day, making it icy and at times 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 a steep drop-off while Mount Shuksan and its beautiful glacier stay in your peripheral vision.
This section of the 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-mile 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 Kaiser.
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 (early 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. This area has excellent backpacking routes.
Are there any season 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(the lower lot) and snowshoeing up.
Snowshoeing Ptarmigan Ridge is NOT recommended.
Is Ptarmigan Ridge Dog-Friendly?
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 to Pack for Your Ptarmigan Ridge Trek
What you pack and wear to hiking Ptarmigan Ridge is mostly going to depend on personal preference, 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!
- Trekking Poles: While the elevation gain and loss are not extremely steep, the trail is longer. I would still bring trekking poles for the distance.
- Crampons: If you’ll be hiking the trail earlier or later in the season, there are some icy, slick areas where crampons would be beneficial. One of the times we went, people were turning around from the ice.
- Sitting Pad: A sitting pad is a “luxury” item I refuse to hike without! It is great to sit on during a snack or lunch break.
- Appropriate Layers: Even on a sunny day, it can still be chilly up on the ridge. A lightweight jacket and a rain jacket are essential.
- Wool Socks and Sturdy Boots: To reduce the risk of blisters, wear wool socks and sturdy hiking boots on this trail. I typically wear Darn Tough Socks and Oboz Bridger Boots.
All in all, wear what you’re comfortable hiking in and be prepared for weather conditions to change quickly.
Have questions about what to bring? Feel free to ask your question in the comments! I’d be happy to get back to you.
Should Ptarmigan Ridge be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington?
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 its entirety.
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.
You might also be interested in…
- Complete Lake Ann Hiking Guide
- Hiking and Backpacking Chain Lakes Loop
- Best Trails on the Mount Baker Highway
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.
Before heading out, always make sure you check trip reports, weather conditions, and road conditions. I like to read my updated trip reports from the Washington Trails Association. I think people leave the most up-to-date and detailed trail reviews that I’ve found. For the most up to date informaiton on the road conditions, you can call the ranger station at Mt Baker.
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.
