Hiking Ptarmigan Ridge and Goat Lake - An Underrated GEM in the Mount baker wilderness

Hiking ptarmigan ridge Details

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This is one of the most underrated hikes in the State of Washington and our favorite in the Mount Baker Wilderness. From the moment you leave the parking lot, the views begin, and they simply do not let up. While hiking the trail is a bit of a trek to reach the ridge, we think the payoff is absolutely worth the effort.

One of our favorite ways to experience hiking Ptarmigan Ridge is to make a day of it and continue all the way to the end of the ridge. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way, but we highly recommend pushing on to the top. The views from the ridge are incredible and provide the type of expansive mountain scenery that makes the long trek worthwhile. If you're looking for the best experience, we especially recommend visiting later in August when the conditions are typically at their best with less snow.

One of the great things about this trail is that the views start almost immediately. You don't have to hike miles before the scenery opens up, there are beautiful views from the parking lot all the way to the end of the trail. The landscape constantly changes as you climb, with mountain vistas, alpine terrain, and wide-open views throughout the entire hike.

There is also a fantastic add on to Goat Lake, which is well worth the extra effort. Goat Lake has an almost moonscape-like setting, with rugged rocky terrain surrounding beautiful turquoise water. It feels dramatically different from much of the surrounding trail and makes for an excellent side trip or destination if you're looking to extend your day.

Ptarmigan Ridge is also a fantastic backpacking destination. There are excellent camping sites scattered throughout the area, and unlike many popular Washington backpacking destinations, we've found that there are often quite a few sites still available even on weekends. Our favorite campsites are along the ridgeline, where you can wake up surrounded by incredible alpine scenery. That said, camping on the ridge can be more challenging due to high winds and limited access to water.

There are also great camping options around Goat Lake, which can be a better choice if you want a little more shelter and easier access to water while still being surrounded by beautiful scenery.

And perhaps one of the biggest advantages of this hike is that it's dog friendly. Being able to bring your dog along for a trail with this many views makes it an especially fun adventure.

Why choose this hike

• One of the most underrated hikes in Washington

• Incredible views from the parking lot all the way to the ridge

• The views from the ridge are absolutely worth the extra trek

• Fantastic add-on to Goat Lake with turquoise water and a unique moonscape-like landscape

• Excellent backpacking opportunities with plenty of campsites

• Often easier to find camping on weekends than at many other popular Washington destinations including the nearby Chain Lakes Trail

  
  

Why choose a different hike

• Not much water on the ridge for backpacking

• Snowpack melts very late here, often not fully accessible until August

  
  

Photo journal of hiking ptarmigan ridge in mount baker

Arriving at the Junction of the Goat Lake turnoff and Ptarmigan Ridge, about 3 miles into the hike

Looking back at Goat Lake from the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail

The trail is dog Friendly!

Wildflowers were peak in mid August

Looking back at the Trail from the beginning of the Ridge Ascent

Getting glaciated views of Bake the whole way

The snowfield looked quite intimidating from a distance, although was not to bad to cross

There are a couple small scree hills to ascend to start getting amazing views

First view on Ptarmigan Ridge

Looking back at our first big views, one of our favorite spots we have hiked

Moving further up the Ridge Line

View from the end of Ptarmigan Ridge which is the endpoint of the trail

Headed back down the trail with views of Goat Lake

The middle section of the trail was gorgeous during sunset

The wildflowers were surprisingly abundant

The last stretch of trail before meeting with the junction of the Chain Lakes Trail

View of Mount Shushkan and the parking lot in the distance