Ptarmigan Ridge — Tuesday, Jul. 26, 2005

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

First time to Artist Point and Ptarmigan Ridge Trail and I will return. Some road construction delays (10-15 mins.) on the way to the Mt. Baker Ski area but it is such a long drive what's another 15 minutes. For average hiker types this is a late season hike but this year only a few snow crossings left on the trail and they are safe now. Views begin at the parking lot and expand as you gradually climb up to and around the Coleman Pinnacle. At 4 miles you gain a ridge, Mt. Rainier comes into view along with Ross Lake and this is a good stopping place for most. A beautiful tarn or lake can be seen just below and is easy to reach. The main trail continues about 2 more miles and climbs up the side of Baker. (On this day we saw a herd of about 40 goats near the lake or tarn.) Even on a Wednesday there were a good number of people so weekends would be very crowded, start early. WW