Ptarmigan Ridge — Tuesday, Sep. 6, 2005

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

From the first step at Artist Point all the way along Ptarmigan Ridge to the summit of Coleman Pinnacle [6403'] the spectular views never stop. This hike is rarely snow free, but because of the lack of snow this year, I only encountered two relatively non-steep hard snow patches. In an ordinary snow year I would suspect that an ice ax and knowledge of how to use it would be necessary to get all the way to Coleman Pinnacle. The day was as perfect as one can get in the Pacific Northwest. There was no wind, warm sunshine and no bugs. There were also relatively few hikers. I would not want to do this hike in marginal weather. On the way back to Artist Point I took a scrambler's track up the backside of Table Mountain which began at the junction with the Chaiin Lakes Trail. This track should not be attempted by anyone who has not had some experience traveling on steep cross country type terrain. I was relieved that I could take the official Forest Service trail back down to Artist Point.