Search routes & places
Ptarmigan Ridge


Log in and send us updates, images and resources

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
Map
  • Green Trails Mount Baker Wilderness Climbing No. 13S
  • Green Trails Mt Shuksan No. 14
  • Green Trails Mt Baker No. 13
  • USGS Shuksan Arm
  • USGS Mt Baker
Activities

Upcoming Activities



CHS 1 Hike - Ptarmigan Ridge

Day Hiking Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series
Enjoy views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan on this beautiful ridge hike. This trip
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
Wed, Aug 19, 2020
No Prerequisites
11 participants
Registration opens Jul 22
Seattle Branch

CHS 1 Hike - Ptarmigan Ridge

Day Hiking Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series
CHS 1 graduation hike to Ptarmigan Ridge and Chain Lakes at Mt. Baker.
Difficulty: Strenuous
Sat, Sep 5, 2020
No Prerequisites
10 participants
Registration opens Aug 26
Seattle Branch
Trip Reports
Titles

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
Resources

There are no resources for this route/place. Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

Tags: