Ptarmigan Ridge, Mount Baker area

Nine hikers woke up early on Saturday, August 23 to ensure they reached Burnaby City Hall by 6:50am. We met early because our trip required a border crossing and busy parking lot at the trailhead. The early morning start helped us reach the US border at 8am and it only took us 10 minutes to cross the border. We also reached  Artist Point parking lots at 9:45am and both cars found good parking space  

We started our hike at majestic Artist Point toward the glaciated flanks of Mt. Baker. It is a warm, clear day, and mountain views stretch from Mt. Rainier to Canada. Start by following the Chain Lake Trails west, skirting underneath the lava cliffs of Table Mountain. After 1.6 km, the trail reaches a signed junction. Turn right to go to Chain Lakes. Turn left to go to Ptarmigan Ridge. From this point on, the Ptarmigan Ridge trail is in and out with lots of hikers on the trail. Since we have 7 fast hikers who are eager to hike at a faster pace and 2 slow hikers who like to take photos and smell the flowers.Our hike leader decided to allow everyone to hike at their own pace and turn around at 2pm(after lunch). 

At 2pm, we had our lunch, enjoyed our destination either toward the foothills of Mt. Baker or toward the beautiful glacier lakes, we met again and retraced our route back and arrived at the parking lot at 6pm. Every turn, every hike is beautiful in the Mount Baker area. We also had a beautiful day to enjoy our hike.

Thanks to our drivers Ty and Harris for making this beautiful excursion possible for us. 
Trip report from Su-Jane
Photos by Jenny Li, Su-Jane, Sandy, Winnie