John Guilford's Hikes

Date: 2025-08-26

Location: Ptarmigan Trail

People: (including myself): Happy Hikers

			  	Alt.	Miles
Trailhead:		9:10	5069	0
Chain Lake Trail:	9:40	5200	1.1
Lunch:			11:30	6000	4.1
Leave:			12:10		
Trailhead:		2:30		8.2

Initially one does a climbing traverse up the side of a valley towards Mt. Baker.  At the far end of the valley there is a junction with the Chain Lake trail, with that trail going right and the Ptarmigan Trail continuing towards Baker. 

One descends a bit, losing all the elavation gained in the first traverse, ending up at an elevation of 5000 feet. 

Most of the rest of the trail is a slow steady climb across relatively open terrain, sometimes on a ridge but usually below the ridge. 

We stopped near the Coleman Pinnacles for lunch.  Further off there are a couple lakes that looked small until you saw a person near them for scale.  The trail continues beyond where we stopped. 

The hike has magnificent views of Shuksan, Baker, and the terrain.  There are essentially no trees blocking the view, but this makes for a sunny, hot day.  The soil, what there is, isn't good usually only allowing low shrubs (some good blueberries) and wild flowers. 

The open, vast vistas make this a hike that is surely worthwhile. 

Trail along first valley traverse looking towards Baker. 

At Chain Lake trail junction looking back down first traverse. 

Crossing a little snow field. 

At lunch spot with Shuksan in background. 

At lunch spot looking towards Baker. 

Lakes near lunch spot. 

Looking at trail from near junction with Chain Lake trail

Mt. Shuksan peeking through the trees.