Ptarmigan Ridge
A hike on what is more of a climber's path and often snow-covered well into summer. It's up to 10 miles round trip with 1,300 feet of elevation gain. Enjoy views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. In winter is is a good backcountry ski tour.
getting there
Drive SR 542 east to the Glacier Public Service Center (Ranger Station). In winter, continue 22.5 miles to the Mount Baker Ski Area and continue to the uppermost parking lot (4,250 ft). In summer, continue another 2.5 miles to the Artist Point trailhead and large parking lot (5,100 ft).
During winter and early spring, all cars must carry chains and a snow shovel!
on the trail
10 miles round trip with 1,300 feet of elevation gain
Hike the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail from Artist Point to the base of the Sholes Glacier (5,990). The trail is more of a climber's path than a maintained trail.
ski route
13 miles round trip with 2,500 feet of elevation gain
Climb to Austin Pass and then along Ptarmigan Ridge to ski one of the many options even as far as Coleman Pinnacle or Sholes Glacier.
- Suitable Activities: Backcountry Skiing, Day Hiking, Snowshoeing
- Snowshoeing Category: Intermediate
- Seasons: Year-round
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Moderate, M2 Mountain 2 Ski
- Length: 10.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,300 ft
- 5,990 ft
-
Land Manager:
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Mount Baker Wilderness, Mount Baker Ranger District (MBSNF)
- Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- Green Trails Mt Baker No. 13
- USGS Mt Baker
- Green Trails Mt Shuksan No. 14
- Green Trails Mount Baker Wilderness Climbing No. 13SX
- USGS Shuksan Arm
Upcoming Activities
CHS 1 Hike - Ptarmigan Ridge
This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.
- Coleman Pinnacle
There are no resources for this route/place. Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.