SUMMARY: Still lots of snow compared to last year. Can fairly easily make it to the Chain lake turn off but pure snow after that. Needs a couple weeks to melt as of July 29th 2017.create
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Ptarmigan Ridge Trail
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Sep 9, 2023
This is a fantastic out and back hike with amazing views of Mt. Baker.
The trail starts at Artist Point in Washington state. Recreation fees are required in Washington National Forests per vehicle. If you don't have a one day National Forest pass or an annual Northwest Forest pass, you can pay $5US for a day pass ($10CDN, no coins) available at the info board at Artist Point.
When you are ready to start your hike, follow the Chain Lakes Trail for about 1.5 km and when you arrive at the wooden post veer left and continue onwards. If you go right you will be on the Chain Lakes Trail.
The trail is well defined and easy to follow with the trail itself being rocky. However it is quite exposed with little to no shade - sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and water are important. I found the most challenging part of the trail to be the climb just before the ridge but it was manageable and well worth the effort.
We stopped and had lunch while seated at the ridge and enjoyed the views of all the mountains in the distance and then retraced our steps back to the parking lot.
Although there were several people hiking this trail, it did not feel busy and overcrowded until we reached the Chain Lakes Loop junction on our way back to the parking lot.
Many sites rate this trail as "hard". However, I would rate it as moderate.