Ptarmigan Ridge - Mt. Baker (U.S.)

INTERMEDIATE HIKE

Join us as we head to beautiful Mt Baker and get stunningly close to the east side of Mount Baker. In addition to views of Mt Baker, Mt Shuksan and the surrounding area, we will see beautiful alpine lakes, blueberries and other plants, and maybe even some mountain goats!

We will start with one group of 12 (limit per US Forest Service) but if someone volunteers to lead a second group, we will add 12 more spaces and have that group leave 15 minutes after the first group. Remember to buy the parking pass at the ranger station in Glacier (see below for more info).

Plan on leaving downtown Vancouver at 715AM and arriving at the border crossing in Abbotsford/Sumas at approximately 8:30AM. Please add a comment to the meetup page (before crossing the border) if you are running late.

We will meet at the Ranger Station (near the parking ticket machines) in Glacier at approximately 930AM, although this will depend on the lines at the border. We will then drive to Artist Point (see below for directions).

Length: 20 km round trip
Elevation Gain – 425 metres
Highest Point – 1550 metres

We will start our hike from the northwest corner of the large parking lot at Artist Point. We first hike on the Chain Lakes Trail and then, at a junction at 1.5 km, take the Ptarmigan Ridge trail. After cresting over a ridge, we drop below to pass a rugged rock face, later climbing back above on the far side.

At about 4.5 km, we crest over another ridge at 1,715 metres elevation and change direction from southeast to due west. Weather permitting, Coleman Pinnacle and Mount Baker dominate the view to the west. We eventually reach a resting spot at 1,815 metres, where we can have lunch. The views here are fantastic with beautiful green Goat Lake to the south. From here, we have the option of continuing on the trail, which changes abruptly, becoming narrower and steeper but just as dramatic. We eventually head back the way we came.

After the hike, some of us will be stopping in Glacier to get dinner at Chair 9 Bar and Pizza. Regardless of whether you stop for dinner, expect to get back into Vancouver after 7PM.

Driving Directions

If you are coming from Vancouver, cross at the Abbotsford/Sumas border crossing and drive east on the Mount Baker Highway (542) for 34 miles to the rangers station at the Glacier Public Service Center in the town of Glacier. This is where you will need to buy a $5 parking pass for your vehicle. Drive another 22 miles to Artist Point parking lot, the end of SR 542.

Please remember to give your driver some gas money ($20-$30) and bring an empty bag for your hiking boots. Please also make sure you have a valid passport and any other required documentation, if applicable.

What You Should Bring:

Passport
Travel insurance
Hiking boots
Hiking poles (optional)
Water (at least 2 litres)
Packed Lunch
10 Essentials

No fruit allowed across the border. You can stop at the Boomtown Super Duper Gas station in Sumas, just before you turn left at 547, and buy fruit, meat, and cheese.

DISCLOSURE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK

By going on this Meetup event, you acknowledge and agree that you are participating at your own risk and are entirely responsible for your own safety getting to and from the trailhead, on the hike, and during the course of the event. In case of accident, illness, or other incapacity, you agree to pay for your own medical and/or evacuation expenses, whether or not you have specifically authorized them. You also verify that you are in good health and are physically capable of carrying out this hike. Therefore, you agree to release the Meetup Group, the Organizer, the Meetup Host, and any affiliate from any and all liability for any loss, damage, expense or injury which may arise out of participation in the Meetup event, including during transportation to and from the event.