Ptarmigan Trail
Ptarmigan Trail is a 6.8 km moderate trail near the base of Mount Saint Helens. This trail is suitable for beginners and families and doesn’t get very busy. There are nice views along the switchbacks, but there are also often mosquitoes- bring spray!
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Route Description for Ptarmigan Trail
Ptarmigan Trail is a fairly easy and straightforward hike near Mount Saint Helens. This route is used by both half-day hikers and by those heading up Mount Saint Helens via Monitor Ridge. It’s not too challenging and has nice views from the switchbacks.
This route begins from the Climber’s Bivouac Trailhead. The trail rises 305 m through the woods and into alpine meadows, giving you varied scenery. The first half of the hike is mostly flat, then the grade increases for the second half. Look back as you ascend the switchbacks since this is where most of the view can be seen.
The trail ends just after you cross Swift Creek at the junction with Loowit Trail. Turn back and retrace your steps to the trailhead.
Getting to the Ptarmigan Trail Trailhead
The trailhead for the Ptarmigan Trail is at Climber’s Bivouac at the end of Climber’s Bivouac Road.
Route Information
Ptarmigan Trail Elevation Graph
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Nearby Trails
- Lava Canyon Suspension Bridge Hike
- Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham Loop
- Mount Saint Helens Summit via Worm Flows Trail
- June Lake Trail
- Trail of Two Forests
- Merrill Lake Campground Loop
- Lava Canyon Trail
- Windy Ridge Trail
- Johnston Ridge Observatory Trail
- Mount Saint Helens Summit via Monitor Ridge Trail
- Ape Canyon Trail
- Ape Caves Trail