Seattle | An Annual Trip to Mount Baker

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest How can anyone miss a summer trip to Mount Baker? Though it’s a bit far, the scenery is arguably the best in all of Washington! As everyone knows, Mount Baker has two relatively beginner-friendly trails: 📍 Ptarmigan Ridge 🥾 Approximately 12.5 miles round trip, with 2,500 feet of elevation gain. We took our time and spent about 6-7 hours hiking. 🅿️ By 9:30 AM on weekends, the parking lot was already full. We had to park further down the road, adding an extra 0.2 miles to the hike. 🥾 The final stretch of the trail involves scrambling over loose rocks and is quite steep. If you’re tired or uneasy about the risk, skipping the last 0.2 miles is fine—the views are essentially the same, offering a majestic face-off with Mount Baker and clear glimpses of its glaciers. 🥾 Part of the trail overlaps with the Chain Lakes Loop, which is very easy to navigate and mostly flat. 🥾 There are several snowy sections, but spikes aren’t necessary since previous hikers have carved out clear paths. However, trekking poles are essential. 🏊‍♀️ You’ll pass two unnamed lakes along the way. When we visited, the ice hadn’t fully melted, making them incredibly beautiful! Reaching these lakes requires a short detour, adding 2-3 miles to the hike. The trail is easy to follow, and on warmer days, you can even take a swim! 🐦 Fun fact: Ptarmigans are white grouse that live at high altitudes. If you look closely, you might spot bird graffiti on the snow! #MountBaker #Hiking #WashingtonTrails #OutdoorAdventure #SeattleLife