We arrived at Artist Point early and beat the crowds on the trail. The fire haze from Friday was nearly gone in most areas and completely gone from Baker. There was a lenticular cloud crowning Shuksan, so we stopped to capture it with cameras. The trail is good with some wet areas and ice fields, but it wasn't difficult to cross them. This is one of the finest hikes in the region. That was obvious because we passed over 200 hikers on our return trip! There were foreign tourist groups, youth groups, senior hiker groups, backpacking groups, and more. I hike every week of the year and have done so for years, but I can't recall ever seeing this many hikers and dogs on a trail. More photos below.

It's one of those short windows of opportunity for most of us to do this trail that takes you out to most excellent views of Baker and Shuksan. There's a few small snowfields remaining, so sticks still useful but not essential if you've got plenty of traction on your footwear. It's hot, hot, hot, out there on this trail when the weather's good like it is now. So sunscreen, hats, etc. recommended. But plenty of clear running streams on the trail, so no need to lug a lot of water if you've got a portable filter or method of purification. Really not much elevation gain to speak of, and hardly any bugs to speak of either. Get out while the gettin's good. This weekend or next. Only downside I can think of is you got to haul and use blue bags when doing this trail. Small price.

Finally able to cross this hike off my to-do list! My first Saturday off all summer, couldn't have asked for nicer weather. The first mile or so was PACKED all the way to the pass. Once I got on the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail, the crowds started to diminish. Compared to others I've done in the past, I thought this was a pretty easy hike. Not much elevation gain either. With the warm temperatures and nice cool breeze, it was a pleasant trip. Amazing views all around every step of the way. Ice axes are not required for snow crossings. Poles might be helpful, but I still managed to make it to Camp Kiser without any in tennis shoes. Took a detour to find a geocache .5 miles from the main trail and discovered a nice set of lakes that had an icy blue color. Beautiful. Also saw a few herds of mountain goats in the distance. You can see more photos on my blog here: http://salvarado24.wordpress.com/. Thanks for reading!

This should be on everyone's 'must hike' list. Miles of alpine ridge traverse set between Mt Shuksan and Koma Kulshan. The trail is in good shape, however there are some snowfield crossings and ascents that are much easier with trekking poles. I brought my ice axe, but didn't feel the need anywhere. A great day for photography, with sun mixed with swirling cumulus clouds. NO bugs.

There is no shortage of views on this hike! Alot of the trail is on semi steep snowfields. Poles are very helpful. And near the end of the ridge depending on how adventurous you are, take an ice axe. The closeup of baker is awesome! Before ariving to the ridge you hike on a dry boulder field that has some very intresting rock formations. This to me is all high volcanic activity area.. Along with all the grey ash hills in the distance. Bring some binoculars, you can see some raging glacier runoffs off of baker. And maybe a herd of mountain goats! Which i was lucky to photograph a herd of 30 or so=) I spotted them on a side trip to a mini azure blue lake. Be prepared for some route finding if your determined to reach the ridge. The dirty boot tracks should help though. Another beautiful day ohh do i love mt. baker! I've been training hard and hope to summit baker this winter. Wish me luck and happy exploring!