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Mount Baker North Ridge

3 Day Climb • Washington State • 10,781 feet

PRICE

$1395 (advanced) 2:1 ratio

SCHEDULE

Mount Baker North Ridge*
June 20 – June 22, 2025 (Fri-Sun) – 3+ spots left
July 18 – July 20, 2025 (Fri-Sun) – 3+ spots left

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* All dates available unless indicated as sold out.

DETAILS

Grade: Advanced
3 Day Summit Climb

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OVERVIEW

Mount Baker’s classic North Ridge represents an excellent challenge for those who want to hone their alpine climbing skills on more advanced glaciated terrain. This route is truly one of the best moderate “big mountain” alpine snow and ice climbs in the Lower 48.

Mount Baker North Ridge • 3 Day Ascent

Previous climbing experience and advanced alpine climbing skills are required for this climb. The North Ridge rises our of the dramatic Coleman Glacier in a series of steep snow slopes and ice pitches directly to the summit plateau of the second most glaciated peak in the Contiguous United States.

We approach the route via the Heliotrope Ridge trail, the same trail that leads to the popular Coleman Deming Route. After traversing the Coleman Glacier, we climb steep snow onto the crest of the ridge. Then, with dramatic view of the Coleman and Roosevelt glaciers far below our heels, we climb several pitches of 60- to 70-degree alpine ice that end at the large, exposed ice cliffs just below the summit. We descend the Coleman Deming Route to the west, walking down the Roman Wall to the saddle between the Black Buttes and Baker’s summit, and then back to basecamp where we relax and enjoy the evening alpenglow.

Coleman Deming Glacier / Northside

  • Approach Time to Camp: 3-4 hours
  • Distance: 2.5 miles, 2500 ft. gain
  • Trailhead: Heliotrope Ridge, 3500 ft.
  • High Camp: 6000 ft.
  • Camp to Summit: 5-6 hours, 4800 ft. gain
  • Total Elevation Gain: 7,300 feet
  • High Camp to Summit to High Camp: 6 miles round trip, 9+ hours
  • Pack Weight: 40-45 lbs. trailhead to high camp, 20-25 lbs. high camp to summit
  • Trail synopsis: From the parking area, a well-maintained trail gains elevation quickly making this approach slightly shorter than the southside approach. After crossing Kulshan Creek at 2 miles (4500 feet), we break out of the trees, cross another stream at 5400 feet, then climb a final steep moraine into Hogsback Camp. Camp sites are scattered between 6000 and 6200 feet along the edge of the Coleman Glacier. Exact elevation and location will vary depending on water sources and other climbing parties.

Need help choosing a trip?
Read our Four-Legged Stool blog post for tips on finding the right adventure for you.

Climb Highlights

  • Enjoy a Northwest Alpine Guides adventure and summit a classic, glaciated Pacific Northwest volcano.
  • Climb steep snow and alpine ice on Mount Baker’s spectacular North Ridge

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1 • Hike to High Camp
Day 2 • Summit Day
Day 3 • Hike to Trailhead

Qualifications

This is an advanced level climb suitable for climbers in excellent physical condition with solid backpacking skills and prior glacier and ice climbing experience. A one-hour glacier travel skills training will be taught. Climbers will need to ascend several pitches of 60- to 70-degree alpine ice. Please consider joining us for our 2-Day Intro to Ice Climbing Course if you do not feel comfortable with rock safety basics. No extra acclimatization is necessary for this program. Read our Goals and Fitness page for recommendations on how to best physically prepare for this adventure.

2 to 1 Climber to Guide Ratio

We lead Mount Baker’s North Ridge at a 2 to 1 climber to guide ratio to ensure that you receive personal attention and hands-on instruction throughout the climb.

Northwest Alpine Guides holds a Special Use Permit and is an authorized outfitter guide within Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Mt. Baker Ranger District

“In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).”

ITINERARY

Mount Baker North Ridge

Plan to arrive the day before the climb begins.

Day 1 • Hike to High Camp • 6,000 feet

Video Resource: What to Expect the Morning of the Climb

Meet at our BaseCamp in Sedro-Woolley, WA.

Northwest Alpine Guides will provide you with a detailed PreClimb departure book upon registration including personal gear list, meeting location and driving directions.

Our alpine guides will meet you for team introductions, gear check, and group gear distribution. The drive to the Heliotrope Ridge Trailhead at 3,500 feet on the north side of the mountain takes approximately two hours.

The hike to high camp on the Hogsback at 6,000 feet takes 4 to 5 hours. After setting up our tents, we refresh the skills we will need for the climb, then eat dinner and go to bed early in preparation for our alpine start.

Vertical Gain Hiking: 2,500 feet
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Accommodations: Tented Camp
Meals Included: None

Day 2 • Summit Day via Northridge • 10,781 feet

The day begins early with an alpine start. Our route ascends right of center on the Coleman Glacier, weaving around large crevasses to the toe of the North Ridge. The standard start crosses a double bergschrund and then ascends a broad, 40-degree snow gully to the crest of the ridge. Straightforward glacier travel on the central portion of the route yields to steepening ice slopes below a prominent ice cliff that spans the top of the north face. As the ice steepens, we set belays and climb in a classic and exposed position directly up the ice cliff in a few short, 60- to 70-degree pitches. Our route then winds between seracs and across several short, steep traverses onto the final summit plateau. From the summit of the North Cascades’ highest volcano, we are rewarded with gorgeous views of the Cascade Range in the U.S. and Canada. We celebrate our success then descend the Coleman Deming Route back to our camp near the toe of the Coleman Glacier.

Vertical Gain Climbing: 4,500 feet
Climbing Time: 10-14 hours

Accommodations: Tented Camp
Meals Included: None

Day 3 • Hike to Trailhead

After breakfast, we break camp, pack our gear and retrace our steps back to the trailhead. We generally arrive back at our cars by mid-afternoon and conclude our adventure in Sedro-Woolley.

Vertical Descent Hiking: 2,500 feet
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Meals Included: None

Plan to depart the day after the climb ends.

Itinerary Notes
Northwest Alpine Guides makes every effort to uphold the scheduled itinerary, although our guides are given discretion to adapt the itinerary for reasons beyond our control or due to the needs of the group. Meal schedule: (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

DETAILS

Where to Meet

At 8:00 a.m. on the morning of the climb, we meet at BaseCamp in Sedro-Woolley, WA for equipment check and orientation before heading to the trailhead. We will email you detailed PreClimb information including a gear list and full departure details upon receiving your registration.

Deposit and Payments

  • A non-refundable deposit of $300 per person secures your reservation.
  • The balance is due 120 days prior to start date.
  • The balance can be paid by credit card with a surcharge of 3.0%, or Zelle payment network.
  • If your balance payment is not received 120 days before the start of your program, your reservation will be canceled, and all program fees forfeited.

Price Includes

  • Guided climb and instruction
  • Boiled water for meals
  • Professional mountain guide
  • Group equipment (including tents, ropes, stoves, etc.)
  • Wilderness Permits

Price Does Not Include

  • Transportation
  • Trailhead parking fees (Northwest Forest Pass)
  • Lunch and snack food
  • Personal gear
  • Hotels or lodging
  • Trip cancellation insurance
  • Medical and evacuation coverage
  • Staff gratuities

Guides

Our instructors are highly skilled professional guides who have been selected based on their technical proficiency, proven safety records, careful judgment, patience, and supportive teaching styles. They are dedicated to a climbing lifestyle, and collectively have climbed throughout the earth’s major mountain ranges. Our guides are friendly, very willing to share their own experiences, and can help you develop a plan to achieve your own climbing ambitions. All our guides carry current certification in wilderness first aid.

Tipping

Our guides are dedicated mountain professionals who work hard to ensure your success and wellbeing on the mountain. If you have a positive experience, gratuities are an excellent way to show your appreciation. An average tip is 10 – 20% percent of the cost of the program, usually $100 – $200. Your guide team will pool all tips.

Summit Attempt

Northwest Alpine Guides cannot guarantee that you will reach the summit. Weather, route conditions, your own abilities, or the abilities of other climbers may create circumstances that make an ascent unsafe. You or your entire party may have to turn around without reaching the summit. Failure to reach the summit due to a team member’s own lack of fitness or to any of the events associated with mountaineering (such as weather, route, avalanche hazard, team dynamics, etc.), are not NWAG responsibility and will not result in refund or reschedule.

Age Guidelines

Participants age 16 & 17: May participate in fixed-date group itineraries if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Participants age 15: May only participate in private climbs and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

We do not accept participants under 15 years old due to insurance and liability reasons.

Minimum Participants

Please note that a minimum of two participants is required to guarantee each departure at the advertised price.

Climber to Guide Ratio

We aspire to lead summit attempts on Mount Baker at a 2 to 1 climber to guide ratio. On occasion we lead climbs at a 3 to 1 climber to guide ratio due to operational needs.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend that all participants consider travel and trip cancellation insurance after making a deposit. Travel insurance offers the best protection in the event of a sudden, unexpected illness, an injury prior to or while traveling, or a possible family emergency.

If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. Northwest Alpine Guides does not insure you against these risks. We ask that you consult your travel insurance carrier directly with questions.

For more info about current coverage plans and quotes please visit.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance

Travel, evacuation and rescue coverage designed for adventure travelers.

For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™

  • Waiv­er for pre-exist­ing con­di­tions (must be pur­chased with­in 14 days of trip deposit)
  • Option­al “Can­cel for Any Rea­son” cov­er­age (must be pur­chased with­in 14 days of trip deposit)

Global Rescue

We recommend Signature Travel Insurance. For travel insurance or Global Rescue membership.

For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Global Rescue

For Non-US Residents & Citizens – World Nomads

For Canadians and for other non-US residents (enter your country of origin), World Nomads can provide travel and disaster insurance options for mountaineers.

Date Changes

Date changes may be requested at any time up to 60 days prior to your departure date for a $100.00 fee per person. Date changes are subject to availability and apply only to the current climbing season. No date changes allowed less than 60 days before departure.

Cancellations

Since departures require a minimum number of participants, Northwest Alpine Guides must adhere to a stringent refund policy. The policy is intended to protect participants who have otherwise committed time and resources to the departure. Please read our Terms and Conditions.

MEALS

You will need to provide all of your own meals during the Mount Baker North Ridge ClimbYou will need two (2) breakfasts, enough lunch and snack food for three (3) days, and two (2) dinners. Northwest Alpine Guides will provide the group with hot cooking water for breakfast and dinner. Video Resource: Mountain Snack and Lunch Ideas

Meal Schedule

Day 1: Lunch & snacks for hike from trailhead to high camp, Dinner
Three or four 15-minute lunch & snack breaks during the hike to high camp. Dinner in high camp.

Day 2: Alpine Breakfast, Lunch & snacks for climb to summit, Dinner
Four 15-minute snack breaks on the ascent from high camp to summit, two or three 15-minute snack breaks on the descent from summit to high camp. Dinner in high camp.

Day 3: Breakfast. Snack and lunch food for the descent to trailhead

Mountain Lunches

We recommend that you bring a variety of snack food to eat while moving (about 150-200 calories each break). On each day, we will encourage you to eat at regular, short maintenance breaks, roughly once every hour. These snacks can be critical for maintaining a steady supply of energy while moving up and down the mountain. We will not stop for a big lunch break.

Some examples of snack foods include dried meats (salami), jerky (turkey, beef, fish), tuna fish, cheese, crackers, bagels, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, candy bars, gummy candy, cookies, energy bars and trail mix.

We cannot overstate how critical it is for you to bring foods that you enjoy eating. Eating properly is the key to maintaining strength in the mountains. We recommend a selection of sweet, sour and salty food.

When preparing lunches, please do not bring food items that require cooking or extensive preparation.

Mountain Breakfasts and Dinners

Please prepare your meals prior to your climb. Suggested food items:

Alpine Breakfast: Instant oatmeal, Pop Tarts, dried fruit, granola bars, bagels, peanut butter, cream cheese.

Dinner: Freeze-dried dinners are easy to prepare but do not always taste good and may affect your stomach. Instant noodle soups and rice are also popular. You may also consider bringing a cold meal of dried meat, bread, pizza, or sandwiches.

Hot Drinks: Coffee, Caffeinated Tea, Herbal Tea, Cocoa, Cider

Cold drinking water will be available in high camp. Hot, boiled cooking water will be provided for your meal preparation, for example for freeze-dried dinners, instant soups, instant oatmeal and hot drinks.

When preparing meals, please do not bring food items that require extensive cooking or other preparation.

The Guide Hut offers a wide variety of freeze-dried meals for purchase, including vegan and gluten free options.

TRAVEL

Getting There

At 8:00 a.m. on the morning of the climb, we meet at BaseCamp in Sedro-Woolley, WA for equipment check and orientation before heading to the trailhead. Upon receiving your registration, Northwest Alpine Guides will email you complete PreClimb information, including a gear list specific to your itinerary and other departure details. The Guide Hut offers a selection of mountaineering equipment and clothing for purchase and rent.

The small town of Sedro-Woolley, “The Gateway to the North Cascades,” is approximately 70 miles and a 1.5-hour drive from Seattle or Bellevue. Limited services are available in Sedro-Woolley. More extensive food, shopping and lodging options may be found nearby in the cities of Mount Vernon and Burlington.

Northwest Alpine Guides | BaseCamp | The Guide Hut
11132 Sterling Road
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

Click here for directions

Welcome to BaseCamp and The Guide Hut

What to Expect the Morning of the Climb

Northwest Alpine Guides is excited to announce the opening of BaseCamp, our new meeting location and seasonal guide office in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, the Gateway to the North Cascades!

The Guide Hut serves as our rental shop and retail store for guests of Northwest Alpine Guides. Find a variety of retail items, logo wear, and climbing equipment. Visit our online gear shop for available merchandise and rental gear options.

At BaseCamp:

  • Guests may pick up pre-reserved rentals, try on rental boots, and shop for last-minute items.
  • Gear Check: There is ample time to pick up items during the gear check the morning of the climb.

BaseCamp exclusively serves Northwest Alpine Guides customers. It is not open to the public and operates only during scheduled hours.

Flight Travel

Most climbers will fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) the evening before the program and rent a car for the hour and forty-five minute drive to Sedro Woolley, Washington. Please note that Seattle traffic is worsening and driving times from Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport may be significantly longer.

Our Northwest programs begin at the date, time and meeting location listed in the itinerary in your PreClimb Information. Meeting locations may vary depending on program destination. Climbers flying to Washington State must arrive the day before their program begins in order to meet the group for an early morning gear check and orientation. Return times on the final day of the program are difficult to predict. We strongly recommend that climbers book a hotel night following the final day of their itinerary and schedule departure flights on the following day. If departing on the last day of the program, we recommend booking a flight later than 10 pm.

Transportation

Transportation between the meeting location and the trailhead is not included in the price of the trip. Guides are not responsible for providing transportation to team members. We serve both local and out-of-town climbers in our Northwest programs, and many of our guests prefer to use their own vehicles. Team members are free to organize rideshares with other team members. With your permission, our office staff can share your name and contact information with other team members so that you can organize ridesharing. The NWAG office does not coordinate ridesharing or carpooling and we are unable to share customer or guide contact information due to privacy concerns. If you are trying to coordinate a ride, feel free to send an email to info@northwestalpineguides.com and we can forward it to your fellow climbers.

Trailhead Parking

You will need to obtain a NW Forest Pass or equivalent parking permit to leave your car at the trailhead lot. Single-use passes are $5.00 per day. They can be purchased in advance or the day of the gear check. A National Parks pass may suffice.

Driving Directions

From Seattle
Follow I-5 North to Burlington, Skagit County
Take exit 231 from I-5 N, Merge onto N Burlington Blvd, 3 min (0.6 mi)

Turn left onto State Rte 20 E, Head East towards Sedro-Woolley
Follow State Rte 20 E to Sterling Rd, 7 min (3.0 mi)

Turn right onto Sterling Rd, 2 min (0.8 mi)
Turn right into BaseCamp / Northwest Alpine Guides

From Bellingham
Follow I-5 South to Burlington, Skagit County
Take exit 232 from I-5 S, Head East on Cook Rd towards Sedro-Woolley, 4 min (2.7 mi)

Turn right onto Collins Rd, 2 min (1.0 mi)
Turn left onto State Rte 20 E, 1 min (0.3 mi)

Turn right onto Sterling Rd, 2 min (0.8 mi)
Turn right into BaseCamp / Northwest Alpine Guides

Hotels

Lodging in Burlington, Washington. If you wish to stay close to the meeting location the night before your climb, we recommend the following options:

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Burlington
9384 Old Hwy 99 North
Burlington, WA 98233

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Burlington
1670 S Burlington Blvd
Burlington, WA 98233

Mountain Weather

For updated North Cascades weather forecasts, click here.

GEAR LIST

These items are required for our Mount Baker North Ridge climb.

Discover premium retail and rental equipment at The Guide Hut’s online store. Order today, and your gear will be ready for pickup at BaseCamp on the morning of your climb. Don’t miss our Guide Picks blog for brand-specific gear recommendations. Gear up with us for your next adventure!

Shop the Guide Hut »Rental Reservation »Gear Recommendations »

Head and Face

  • Warm Hat: Wool or synthetic. Must cover the ears.
  • Buff
  • Sun Hat or Baseball Cap
  • Glacier Glasses: Essential eye protection at altitude. Wrap around style or side shields. A category 4 lens is required.
  • Sunscreen: SPF 30+
  • Lip Balm: SPF 30+
  • Climbing LED Headlamp: Bring one extra set of batteries.

Upper Body

  • Baselayer Tops: One synthetic long-sleeve shirts. Hoods for sun protection are strongly recommended. A second base layer is optional to bring if you prefer a change of clothes.
  • Softshell Jacket: This is a breathable but wind-and-weather resistant jacket. Hoods are highly recommended. Alternatively, you could bring a mid- layer top such as a synthetic fleece or top to use in place of your softshell jacket.
  • Hardshell Jacket: A fully waterproof shell. GORE-TEX© or equivalent. Hoods are required.
  • Insulated Jacket: Medium weight down. 700+ fill or higher required.
  • Check out our video resource on Down Jackets for more.

Note: Proper hardshell rain gear is required on all trips.
Note: Women may want to bring an extra sports bra in case one becomes wet.

Handwear

  • Lightweight Softshell Gloves: One pair. Leather palms offer durability and grip.
  • Heavyweight Gloves: Insulated glove or mitten with GORE-TEX© waterproof outer or DWR treatment.

Lower Body

  • Baselayer Bottom: One pair. Synthetic, no cotton.
  • Softshell Pants: One pair. Synthetic, stretchy, non-insulated.
  • Hardshell Pants: One pair of GORE-TEX© pants. Full-length side zips are required; you may need to take off your hardshell pants without removing your boots.
  • Gaiters: Full-sized waterproof gaiters that must fit snugly over your mountaineering boots.

Footwear

  • Mountaineering Boots: Full shank crampon compatible leather, synthetic, or hybrid boot depending on the season.

Note: Please read our Mountaineering Boots and Crampons guides for recommendations.

● Heavyweight insulated leather/synthetic/hybrid mountaineering boots are required for early season and late-summer climbs on Mount Baker. Also recommended for mid-summer climbs.

● Single-weight synthetic/leather mountaineering boots are adequate for mid-summer climbs on Mount Baker when conditions are expected to be dry.

X – NO backpacking or trekking boots are allowed above high camp on any trip. Climbing boots must be full shank and crampon compatible.

  • Approach Shoes (Optional): Light hiking boots or sturdy trail running shoes may be adequate for late-season approaches to high camp after trails are free of snow. Must be sturdy enough to support your ankles while carrying a carrying a 35- to 45- pound pack.
  • Mediumweight Socks: Two pair of wool or synthetic socks.
  • Heavyweight Socks: One pair of wool or synthetic socks for sleeping in and for summit day.

Sleeping

  • Sleeping Bag: A warm bag rated 0ᵒ to 20ᵒ Fahrenheit depending on season.
  • Sleeping Pad: A full-length closed-cell foam and/or inflatable pad. Foam AND inflatable pads are recommended for camping on snow during early-season climbs.
  • Check out our video resource on Sleep Systems for more.

Packing and Backpack

  • Backpack: One 65- to 75-liter pack for personal and group gear. Should have an effective waist belt, fit properly and provide good support while carrying 35+ pounds.
  • Liner Bags: 1 large plastic contractor bag.
  • Check out our video resource on Packing a Mountaineering Backpack for more.

Note: An adequately sized backpack is required. You are responsible for carrying all your personal gear and food, as well as a portion of group gear (tents, ropes, stoves, fuel, etc.). We do not recommend an additional pack for summit day. Backpacks smaller than 65 liters are not acceptable.

Climbing Gear

  • Ice Tools: (2) technical, ice climbing tools.
  • Crampons: 12-point steel with anti-balling plates.
  • Climbing Helmet: Lightweight
  • Alpine Harness: Lightweight alpine harness with adjustable leg loops.
  • Trekking Poles: Adjustable and collapsible with snow baskets.
  • Locking Carabiners: (3) Large pear-shaped, screw gate locking carabiners.
  • Non-Locking Carabiners: (2) Wire gate non-locking carabiners.
  • Nylon Slings: (2) 60cm nylon slings.
  • Belay device: Tube style belay device.

Hydration

  • Water Bottles: (2) 1-liter, wide-mouth plastic bottles. NALGENE©

Note: CamelBaks and other bladder-style hydration systems may be used in addition to two water bottles, but are not sufficient. Bladders may pop and hydration hoses freeze in the cold.

Personal Health and First Aid

  • Small personal first-aid kit with medications and blister kit
  • Plastic bowl, insulated mug, and spoon
  • Crystal iodine, chlorine dioxide, or equivalent chemical water treatment
  • Bear resistant container or sack
  • Toilet paper
  • Blue bag or wag bag
  • Earplugs
  • Camera
  • Pee Funnel (for Women), optional
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Personal Items

Note: Pack basic medical supplies in a compact package. We recommend basic painkillers, Moleskin, first-aid or athletic tape, Band-Aids, and anti-septic wipes or gel.
Note: All solid waste must be carried out of the backcountry. One waste kit per 1-3 days is typically sufficient.

FITNESS

Physical fitness is the foundation of every mountain adventure. A strong cardiovascular systemendurance, core strength, flexibility and balance let us safely enjoy the spectacular terrain and close camaraderie we find in the planet’s highest places. 

Mountaineering is a strenuous activity that imposes unique demands on our bodies. Running, swimming, cycling and other sports may help you prepare for your climb, but they are usually not sufficient. Even strong runners may struggle to carry a heavy pack over steep, uneven terrain for hours at a time. Do not underestimate the importance of climbing-specific training.

The following fitness guidelines will help you prepare for your climb. For your safety and the safety of your rope team, you must be able to maintain the pace set by our guides while maintaining reserves of strength. Moving more slowly can be dangerous. As the climbing day lengthens, we become fatigued and dehydrated. We lose precious daylight hours and we expose ourselves to quickly shifting mountain conditions and weather. 

Fitness Benchmarks

To safely enjoy this climb, you must be able to meet these benchmark times while maintaining reserves of strength. Our guides may turn around climbers who are unable to do so. We recommend training for the North Ridge of Mount Baker at least 3-6 months in advance.

  • You should be able to hike/climb for 1 to 2 hours at a time, punctuated by 10 minute breaks, for up to 12 hours.
  • You should be able to ascend 3,000 feet per day while carrying 20-25 pounds on your back, and 4,000 feet per day while carrying 45 pounds or more on your back.
  • You should have a foundation in basic ice climbing, including solid footwork and upper body strength.

Mount Baker: North Ridge

Mount Baker’s North Ridge demands approximately 7,100 feet of elevation gain from trailhead to summit. This climb includes glacier travel, steep snow, and moderate ice climbing. Participants must possess excellent aerobic endurance, strong upper body climbing muscles, and basic ice climbing skills, including solid footwork.

Heliotrope Ridge Trailhead to Hogsback Camp:

  • Distance: 3 miles
  • Ascent: 2,500 feet
  • Pack Weight: 45+ pounds
  • Time: 3-4 hours

Hogsback Camp to Summit:

  • Distance: 4-5 miles
  • Ascent: 4,500 feet
  • Pack Weight: 45+ pounds
  • Time: 8-10 hours

Training Resources:

Please read our Goals & Fitness guide for strategies to help you train for your climb. If you have never ice climbed before, we strongly recommend that you participate in one of our ice or alpine climbing courses before climbing the North Ridge:

Crevasse Rescue and Ice Climbing
North Cascades Alpine Climbing

Many climbers, particularly those who are new to the sport, will benefit from a workout plan designed to prepare you for the rigors of mountaineering. We recommend the following training resources:

Evoke Endurance
Mountain Tactical Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

What about safety?

No matter if you have never climbed before, our instructors are prepared to help you learn mountaineering from the ground up. In addition to professional instruction in climbing skills, most importantly, you will learn skills that will keep you safe in the mountains. With an adventure sport like mountaineering, safety is paramount.

All our instructors have advanced avalanche training, wilderness medical training, and will instruct you how to be self-reliant in the mountains. Mountain climbing can be unpredictable – weather conditions can change in a moment and one wrong step can lead to an injury. Northwest Alpine Guides will instruct you how to climb safely and successfully.

Peaks of the North Cascades

Click to read more about the Peaks of the North Cascades in Washington State.

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Mount Shuksan Sulphide Glacier

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Trip Length: 3 days

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Mount Shuksan Fisher Chimneys

This route has it all; one of the most dynamic climbs in the North Cascades.

Trip Length: 3 days

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Forbidden Peak

One of North America’s 50 Classic Climbs and a thrilling alpine rock route.

Trip Length: 3 days

Mount Baker’s classic North Ridge represents an excellent challenge for those who want to hone their alpine climbing skills on more advanced glaciated terrain. This route is truly one of the best moderate “big mountain” alpine snow and ice climbs in the Lower 48.

Mount BakerGlacier, Washington