Hiking｜Ptarmigan Ridge Trail ⛰️

Last year, Chain Lakes Loop denied us views of Mt. Baker due to weather—but this summer’s sunny Ptarmigan Ridge Trail delivered epic mountain glory! 🏔️ This 11-mile trek (we stopped at Camp Kiser, ~2000ft elevation gain) felt like walking through four seasons in one day, with postcard-worthy views at every turn. It’s now top of my 2023 hiking list! 🌼 Wildflower "Leftovers" Still Stunned Though past peak bloom, we spotted pink-purple wild daisies (?), golden meadows hinting at fall, and snow-dusted peaks—a Paradise-level vista without the crowds (or permits!). Sorry, Rainier—Baker + Shuksan combo wins for accessibility + drama! 🐐 Trail Highlights Panoramic mountain backdrops (📸 film-worthy lighting). Alpine lakes clinging to last summer’s ice. Mountain goat sightings on the return trip! (We took so many photos, we finished at dusk!) ⚠️ Logistics & Tips 🚗 Parking Nightmare: Artist Point lot fills by noon—arrive early or prep for a 30+ minute wait. 🎟️ Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass / Nat’l Forest Day Pass ($5 cash at fee station). 📶 No Signal: Download maps offline. 🐝 Bugs + Sun: DEET + sunscreen mandatory. ❄️ Microspikes/ Poles: Handy for short snow patches. #HikingHeals #PNWParadise #MtBaker #NoPermitNeeded #WildflowerHikes #SeattleWeekend #TrailMagic #GoatSpotting #EpicViews