Ptarmigan Ridge Hike
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Date and Time:
Sun, Sep 27, 2026; 10:00 AM
- 5:00 PM
(Pacific)
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09/27/2026 10:00 AM
09/27/2026 5:00 PM
America/Los_Angeles
Ptarmigan Ridge Hike
Join us for a hike into the heart of the alpine zone on Ptarmigan Ridge. This challenging but rewarding trail includes amazing views and the chance to see stunning fall foliage at this time of year. We'll take our time on the way up, pausing to admire views, plants, and animals we encounter along the way. This route is rated by AllTrails as challenging.
84WWR8W5+Q4
Webinar URL:
48.84691300,-121.69221000
Nick Engelfried
nicke.activism@gmail.com
MM/DD/yyyy
amOUuwqNAzpGSXwtHmnd12740
Organized By: Mt Baker Group
Location: 84WWR8W5+Q4
Map | Directions
Event Organizers:
Nick Engelfried
nicke.activism@gmail.com
(360) 941-3085
Join the Mount Baker Sierra Club for a hike on the stunning Ptarmigan Ridge Trail from Artist Point, one of the most beautiful hikes on Mount Baker. Early fall is when blueberry bushes and other alpine shrubs come into their full fall color, and we'll admire the foliage and any interesting plants and animals we come across as we traverse a ridge line with incredible views of the North Cascades. We'll also pause for a conversation about local opportunities to take action for wild places.
This trail is rated as challenging by All Trails. Total elevation gain is 1,800 feet, and trail length is 9 about miles round trip (all trails lists it as longer, but they include an extension we won't be attempting). Be prepared to make a day of it as we take our time on the way up! Well behaved dogs are welcome.
Be sure to bring sturdy hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a packed lunch and plenty of water for this hike. If you use trekking poles, this is a good hike to use them. There is a bathroom at the trailhead, but no guaranteed potable water and on the trail we will have to pack out any waste. We'll be following
Leave No Trace principles. If parking by the trailhead is full, there are multiple spillover areas along the road up to Artist Point. Carpools must be self-organized, but hike participants interested in carpooling are encouraged to meet at 8am in the
Sunset Square Safeway parking lot.
Please note you will need a Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent public lands pass to park at the trailhead. Although 5pm is the estimated finish time, we could finish slightly earlier or later--so best not to make plans that depend on being done at exactly that time. This is a backcountry hike, and all participants will be required to sign a liability waiver and fill out a medical form.
Directions: From Bellingham, follow WA-542 east to Artist Point. Continue up to the main parking area.
COVID-19 - No vaccine or tests are required for this outing. You may be walking with people who are vaccinated and unvaccinated. You are welcome to wear a mask if it makes you comfortable. Please stay home if you are sick or experiencing any COVID symptoms.
Participant Agreement/ Waiver & Medical Information: All participants in Sierra Club activities are required to sign a standard Participation Agreement and fill out a medical form (emergency contact, allergies, medications, and general medical history). You can review and sign this form at the trailhead or download it and send it to the trip leader ahead of time here. Your medical information will be referred to or passed along to emergency responders if you have a medical emergency during the outing. It is a good idea to keep a copy in your pack. If you have any medical issues you feel the leaders should know about, you must inform them before the start of the trip.
Level: Strenuous
Cost: No cost
Recommended Items: Sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing (including sun protection), plenty of water, and lunch to eat on the trail. If you use trekking poles, bring them!
Additional Directions: Meet at the Ptarmigan Ridge trailhead by the main parking area at Artist Point.
Cancellation Policy: Heavy rain cancels
Read more about the route on AllTrails