Affected by fire last weekend, as well as this weekend. High temperature and continuous dry weather made this summer's wild fire more frequent. Fire in Chelan County continued after a week of burning, still only 30% contained. Changed from our original plan at Cascade Pass, to Mt. Baker, our plan C -- turned out to be an excellent choice, even though no distant views could be attained.
Saturday 8/22. It's a 3+ hour drive from Seattle. Lunch at Artist Point (~5100'). Hiked Ptarmigan Ridge to Camp Kiser, in front of Rainbow Glacier, and set up tent at the bigger jade colored tarn. Saw a group (~8) of young ptarmigan along the trail, totally undeterred by human presence. Rest. After an early dinner, hiked up the ridge to the east of the tarns for sunset. Saw few more ptarmigans and a lone goat. 2 more tents here.
Sunday 8/23. Up by 6am for sunrise. 
Mt Baker was beautiful in its permanent white clad, perfectly reflected in the tarn.
After breakfast, hiked to the end of the trail onto Sholes Glacier. Many campers there. What a view! The last ridge above all the camping area is absolutely incredible.
As we hiked back out, Mt. Baker slowly disappeared into the smoke. On the contrary, Shuksan slowly emerged, like a mirage.
Fall colors are starting. Huckleberries are already dried out. Mostly leveled trail, a bit of loose scree when coming down to the camping area. Have to come back again when it has more snow, or more berries.
~5 miles on Saturday, ~9-10 miles Sunday. No significant elevation gain/loss.
