Yellow Aster Butte
3 days ago
Mountain goats roam the trail; fall colors abound
14 this month · 67 reports
Ptarmigan Ridge
North Cascades
updated 6 days ago
The Ptarmigan Ridge trail is in excellent condition, with reports from September 19 through September 19 consistently describing it as easy to follow. Snow is no longer a significant issue, with most recent reports from September 19 and September 18 stating it is snow-free. The road to Artist Point is suitable for all vehicles, as noted by multiple reports including. Wild blueberries are abundant and ripe as of September 19 and September 19, with fall colors also becoming prominent. Parking at Artist Point can be busy, especially on weekends, with advice to arrive early, for example, by 8:00 AM on September 19 or September 18. There are few bugs reported.
Generated from 107 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Ptarmigan Ridge
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 6 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
On weekends, arriving by 8:00 AM is recommended for parking at Artist Point, as noted on September 19 and September 18. Even on weekdays, arriving by 9:00 AM or 9:30 AM is a good strategy, as seen on September 17 and September 12.
There is not much water on the trail. Reports from September 19 and September 15 mention a few shallow creeks or small run-off areas, but no significant crossings are detailed.
As of September 19 and September 18, the trail is reported to be snow-free. Earlier reports in September, such as September 12, mentioned intermittent snow that was not difficult to cross.
Yes, some sections can be confusing, particularly near the portals as of September 19. Additionally, around mile 2, an unsigned camping area and unmarked trails can make finding the correct path difficult, according to September 9.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Fresh6 days ago
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
Trail in great condition and easy to follow. It was sunny so little to no shade entire trip. Fall foliage and amazing views. Now it's time to go before snow arrives soon.
Fresh6 days ago
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
First time doing this one since moving to WA a little over a year ago, and wow! Definitely worth the effort of getting to the trailhead from Seattle – easily one of the top 10 hikes in the state.It be...
Fresh6 days ago
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
We got to the parking lot at Artist Point around 8 am, and I’m glad we didn’t arrive any later, as the lot had turned into a zoo by the time we returned in the afternoon. The trail felt pretty crowded...
Fresh6 days ago
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
Finally hiked to the portals today. Last time we stopped on top of the ridge above the green goat lakes. I think it was well worth the extra effort, there are a lot to see up there, very close to glac...
Recent1 week ago
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
I arrived around noon and the parking was already full, but I was lucky to have a spot open up. The trail was in good condition with not much mud and not too much dust. There were also many huckleberr...
Recent1 week ago
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
The trail is mostly easy to follow save for the final rocky section as it ascends to the final ridge overlooking Mt Baker, but if you can keep to the well used trails you can avoid having to scramble....
Recent1 week ago
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
After making a quick stop by Picture Lake for views of Mount Shuksan, we made it to the Artist Point parking lot around 9:30am. Parking lot was over half way full. Pit toilets were out of TP when we a...
Recent1 week ago
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
Sunny day hike with stupendous views. Busy and a little crowded at viewpoints. Saw Glacier Peak and Mt. Rainier.
Recent1 week ago
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
I hadn't made it up to the North Cascades yet this summer and am busy this weekend, so I decided to seize the sunny day yesterday and do one of my top 3 favorite hikes, Ptarmigan Ridge. My hiking bud...
Recent1 week ago
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
My son and a friend joined the annual Whatcom Intergenerational High School Mt. Baker trip as alumni to hike with another friend who's still a student. As chauffeur I tagged along on the hike.A low ce...