Ptarmigan Ridge — Monday, Sep. 2, 2013

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Sometimes there's a hike that blows me away. This felt like a combination of Burrough's Mountain on Mount Rainer, Heliotrope Ridge, and the PCT section L from Hart's Pass. Started out at 6:25am from Artist Point and only a few cars at the parking lot. Had the trail to myself except for a few people who were camped out along the trail. No bugs and I was surprised how warm it was at that time of the morning this late into summer. The trail starts high and pretty much stays there except for a drop after a junction with the Chain Lakes Trail. It then gains modest elevation thru the rest of the hike. The trail takes you thru a moon looking landscape of boulders, ancient lava flows, snowfields, and talus slopes, with views of Shuksan, Baker, and the rest of the North Cascades. I think this is about the closest a hiker can get to Baker without having to have mountaineering technical skills. The trail is faint at times, but I was able to follow the trail with no problem. The snowfields could be an issue and dangerous if there is a freeze. I had good boots and poles and with the soft snow it was not a problem. I'm not sure exactly where Camp Kaiser was, but with all the melted snow I kept going along the climber's path until I couldn't go any further(glaciers blocking the path). A very awe inspiring hike with spectacular views all around. After pretty much having the trail to myself there was a steady stream of hikers on the way back coming from Artist Point. The parking lot was pretty packed when I returned at noon. I probably would have been back sooner, but couldn't keep the camera down. Like previously mentioned, this is a great hike to do this year with the warm summer. I highly recommend it!