Hiking the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail, Mt Baker

ACROSS THE AMERICAN BORDER in Washington State, and only a few hours drive from home, is majestic Mount Baker. Given Vancouver weather, it's mighty peak is not visible all too often. This morning however, I could see the distant silhouette of this stratovolcano (3,286 m/10,781'), from the balcony. With no plans on this Sunday, I was soon stuck in border traffic, and on my way to a hike in the US. I finally reached the parking lot (1,525 m/5,000'), under a brilliant blue sky and with Mt Baker's glacial slopes glistening in the midday sun.

Set out on the trail and walked about 4 miles (6.5 km), reaching 1,700 m (5,600 feet), far out on Ptarmigan ridge. The trail went up and down through alpine tundra, that included meadows and snowfields, as it approached the Northeast flanks of Mt Baker. I turned back because it was mid-afternoon and there seemed to be more and more snowfields to cross as the trail gained elevation and approached the mountain. On the way back and on a wind swept ridge, i enjoyed a mosquito free nap, on a bed of heather. Woke up to an amazingly beautiful view too.

Apart from the arresting views there were alpine flower displays that included Asters, Lupines and Mimulus. As the evening approached, the peaks were bathed in angled sunlight. So ended some wonderful hours at Mount Baker.

Mount Baker travel guide - Wikitravel

Mt Baker as seen from the balcony, at 07:00, one shining September morning

Ptarmigan Ridge and Mt Baker

Mt Baker, Coleman Pinnacle and Ptarmigan Ridge

Ptarmigan Ridge trail looking north with Mt Baker behind

Snowfield patterns off the Ptarmigan Ridge trail

Wild blueberries along the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail

With the noticeable aroma of wild blueberries in the air, this could be called
Tutti Frutti Meadows, or not

Arctic Lupine (Lipinus arcticus) along the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail

Alpine moss along the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail

Mt Shuksan from the Chain Lake Trail

Mt Baker in late afternoon light from the Chain Lake Trail

Alpine Aster (Aster alpigenus) along the Chain Lakes Trail