Ptarmigan Ridge, Table Mountain & Chain Lakes Loop — Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Trickiest patch of snow on this loop trip was the first pitch of downhill snow out of the parking lot at Artist Point. Along the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail several under prepared hikers turned around after coming to the edge of the first snowfield encountered shortly beyond the trail junction. After that one patch, all other snowfields to end of the trail were easily managed. Nasty mosquitoes at end of day and start of new day. Bugs not nearly so bad in Chain Lakes Basin. Water was surprisingly warm for swimming on glorious weather weekend. Can there be a more magnificent views for relatively little hiking effort. It was almost like we didn't deserve such fine scenery without much sweat. Snow was still evident at top of saddle above Heather Meadows and at trail junction heading from Ptarmigan Ridge junction to Chain Lakes.