CHS 1 Hike - Ptarmigan Ridge

Current plan is to  meet at the Artist Point Parking lot (end of WA Rte 542) at 7:30 AM and to start hiking about 7:45 AM.  A NW Forest Pass is needed to park there.

Note that it is   a 3 hour drive from downtown Seattle to Artist Point so you might consider staying at a closer campground, hotel, or Airbnb.

Sunset is at about 7:30 PM so while we expect to complete the hike before then, please come prepared with a headlamp and good batteries.  Poles are strongly recommended because of  rockiness of the trail, steep descents, the total elevation gain, and the chance of hiking using a headlamp.  There are three snow patches of 20 to 50 feet to cross, but almost all hikers seen on the pre-hike were crossing them without traction devices.

Because we are hiking in a fragile alpine area, you must use a privy or pack out (not bury) human waste.  There are 4 privies on the Chain Lakes Loop but none on the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail so bringing a blue bag (available from most hiking outfitters) is suggested.