Climb Mount Baker in Washington - Guided Ascent

PRICE

Weekend
Easton Glacier – $795
Coleman/Deming Glacier – $795

Mid-Week
Easton Glacier – $745
Coleman/Deming Glacier – $745
Inquire for private climb rates

SCHEDULE

Summer 2020
Weekend (Saturday-Sunday)
June 6 – June 7
June 20 – June 21
July 4 – July 5
July 11 – July 12
July 25 – July 26
August 8 – August 9
August 22 – August 23
August 29 – August 30
September 5 – September 6
September 19 – September 20

Mid-Week (Tuesday-Wednesday)
June 9 – June 10
July 7 – July 8
July 14 – July 15
July 28 – July 29
August 4 – August 5
August 18 – August 19
August 25 – August 26
September 1 – September 2
September 8 – September 9

DETAILS

Grade: Beginner
2 Day Summit Climb

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OVERVIEW

At 10,781 feet, Mount Baker, or Komo Kulshan (the “Great White Watcher”) is one of the most picturesque volcanoes of the Cascade Range. It is the second most glaciated mountain in the Lower 48 States, exceeded only by Mount Rainier, and its ice-covered pyramid is an iconic sight rising in the distance above Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. Mount Baker regularly receives some of the deepest annual snowfall in the country, including a world record 95 feet in 1998. As the third highest mountain in Washington State and the fifth highest peak in the Cascades, it is a fantastic objective for those seeking a challenging climb in a pristine alpine environment.

Easton Glacier or Coleman Deming Glacier • 2 Day Ascent

To maximize your chances of success, Northwest Alpine Guides will select one of two standard routes on Mount Baker based on mountain conditions at the time of your climb. We will climb either the Coleman Deming Route from the north side of the mountain, or the Easton Glacier Route on the peak’s southern flanks. These routes are similar in length, elevation gain and difficulty. Both are excellent training grounds for roped glacier travel and mountaineering skills. Our professional guides will teach you the skills you will need for a safe and successful climb.

We meet at the Guide Hut in Sedro-Woolley for an equipment check and orientation on the first morning of the climb, and then make our way to the trailhead and high camp the same day. On Day two, we wake early, ascend to the summit, descend to camp and return to the trailhead.

The approach to the Easton Glacier begins among the blueberry bushes of Schriebers Meadow, leads over ice-fed creeks and through old growth forest before reaching snow via a sharp ridge called the Railroad Grade. High camp is in a wonderful location at the 6,000 feet of elevation near the toe of the glacier. The southern summit climb offers a more gradual glacial ascent to the lip of Sherman Crater, and then continues up the Roman Wall.

The northern Coleman Deming Route offers a slightly shorter hike to high camp with less elevation gain than the southern approach. High camp is located above the Hogsback Ridge at the edge of the Coleman Glacier at 6,000 feet. The shorter approach makes the summit day route slightly longer and steeper. We ascend the Coleman Glacier to Colfax Col between the Black Buttes and Mount Baker’s Roman Wall, and then ascend Pumice Ridge and the Roman Wall to the summit ice cap. Overall, the two routes are considered roughly equal in length, elevation gain and difficulty.

Which Mount Baker itinerary is right for me?

Our 3 Day Introduction to Mountaineering School and Summit Climb is designed for beginner climbers, and for climbers who have not previously used ice axe and crampons on glaciated terrain. The 3-day itinerary simply offers you more time to learn the skills you need to climb Mount Baker and other glaciated mountains safely with a guide. Our Mount Baker 2 Day Climb requires stronger hiking and backpacking skills. On the two-day itinerary, your guides will teach a 1-hour skills refresher once you arrive at high camp. Our two-day climb is best for those with previous climbing experience, or a high level of athletic fitness and the ability to learn quickly. You will be expected to maintain a swifter guided pace.

Climbing Routes

Easton Glacier / Southside

Approach Time to Camp: 4-5 hours
Distance: 3.5 miles, 2600 ft. gain
Trailhead: Schriebers Meadow, 3400 ft.
High Camp: 6000 ft.
Camp to Summit: 5-6 hours, 4800 ft. gain
Total Elevation Gain: 7,400 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: This well-maintained trail is longer than the Northside route but gains elevation more gradually. We start the hike in a river valley, cross the Easton Glacier stream (Sulphur Creek), then proceed up switchbacks to a meadow at 4500 feet. From here we ascend the moderately angled “Railroad Grade Trail” which follows the crest of a glacial moraine. In early season we may camp at 5600 ft. in protected sites below treeline. In later season, we continue to follow the trail up the moraines above the lower Easton Glacier, taking us directly into Sandy Camp at about 6000 ft.

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

An exciting, enjoyable Northwest Alpine Guides adventure across stunning glaciers to the summit of a classic Pacific Northwest volcano.
Climb the second most glaciated peak of the Cascade Range.
Access to our convenient Guide Hut in Sedro-Woolley, WA.
Small teams for a personalized experience, many of our climbs are guided with a maximum of six climbers and two guides.

Day to Day Itinerary

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

Qualifications

This ascent is an entry level summit climb and is suitable for climbers in excellent physical condition with no prior mountaineering experience. A one hour climbing skills training will be taught. 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.

Gear List

A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be emailed to you in your PreClimb information upon reservation. Click on our blog post for a list of gear recommendations for specific outdoor brands.

3 to 1 Climber to Guide Ratio

We lead the Mount Baker Easton Glacier or Coleman Deming Glacier Route at a 3 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 2 Day

Plan to arrive the day before the climb begins.

Day 1 • Hike to High Camp

Meet at our Guide Hut 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 southside Schriebers Meadow trailhead at 3,400 feet takes approximately one hour. The drive to the northside Heliotrope Ridge trailhead at 3,500 feet takes approximately two hours. The hike to high camp takes 4 to 5 hours. The team will set camp between 5,600 and 6,200 feet depending on the season.

Your guides will lead a one-hour clinic to refresh your climbing skills after arriving at high camp. Each team member will be assessed throughout the mountaineering school. You will need to demonstrate adequate fitness and proficiency in climbing skills as your safety is our priority.

We return to camp and prepare for our summit bid. The team enjoys dinner and early to bed for the next day’s climb.

Vertical gain climbing: 2,800 feet

Accommodations: Tented Camp
Meals Included: None

Day 2 • Summit Day • Mount Baker • 10,781 feet

Our summit day begins early with a pre-dawn alpine start. From high camp, we climb moderate snowfields to the saddle between Sherman Crater at 9600 feet or Colfax Peak at 9000 feet depending on the route we choose. From here, both routes ascend the steep terrain of the Roman Wall in a final 1- to 2-hour climb to Mount Baker’s expansive summit plateau.

With the peaks of the North Cascades spread out below us, we traverse the summit to Mount Baker’s highest point, sign the register, celebrate and retrace our climbing route back to high camp. We pack our gear and hike to the trailhead.

We usually arrive back to the trailhead by mid-afternoon and conclude our adventure in Sedro-Woolley.

Vertical gain climbing: 4,600 feet
Climbing time: 9+ 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 in Sedro-Woolley, WA, for an equipment check and orientation before driving 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

$300.00 deposit includes a $200.00 non-refundable registration fee, due with application.
Balance due 90 days prior to start date.
The balance can be paid by check, or credit card.

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)
Meals 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. Tips normally average 10 – 20% of the cost of the program. If you prefer to transfer funds electronically, please send gratuities through paypal.me/mountaingurus

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

All minor climbers must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian throughout the entirety of the program. If either the minor climber or the guardian needs to descend at any time during the program, both climbers must descend together.

Climber to Guide Ratio

We aspire to lead summit attempts on Mount Baker at a 3 to 1 climber to guide ratio. On occasion we lead climbs at a 4 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

Date Changes

Date changes may be requested at any time up to 45 days prior to your departure date for a $150.00 fee per person. Date changes are subject to availability and apply only to the current climbing season. No date changes allowed less than 45 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 Online Reservation for Terms and Conditions.

MEALS

You will need to provide all of your own meals during the Mount Baker 2 Day Climb. You will need one (1) breakfast, enough lunch and snack food for two (2) days, and one (1) dinner. Northwest Alpine Guides will provide the group with hot cooking water for breakfast and dinner.

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 and descent
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

Day 2: Remaining snacks for the descent to trailhead

Mountain Lunches

We recommend that you bring a variety of snack food to eat while moving. 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.

TRAVEL

Getting There

At 8:00 a.m. on the morning of the climb, we meet at the Guide Hut 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 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.

The Guide Hut / Northwest Alpine Guides
305 F And S Grade Road
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

Click here for directions
Parking can be found across the street in the Park & Ride lot.

We sell a selection of basic mountaineering equipment in our Sedro-Woolley location. Following the gear check and orientation you will have an opportunity to stop at a market for other last-minute items.

The Guide Hut

On the day of your climb, you will meet your guides at the Guide Hut for group orientation and gear check. For participants on our 3-day and 5-day mountaineering courses, the Guide Hut opens on Thursday afternoons from 4-6 p.m. the day before the climb, and on Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. the day of the climb. For participants on other 2-day and 3-day climbing itineraries please refer to your PreClimb registration email for exact meeting times and location.

During open hours at the Guide Hut, you will have an opportunity to pick up pre-reserved rental items, try on boots, and purchase last-minute items prior to driving to the trailhead. The Guide Hut offers a selection of retail items such as outdoor clothing, glacier sunglasses, gloves, water bottles, cups, bowls, spoons, sunscreen, carabiners, climbing cord, waste kits, mole skin, batteries, freeze-dried foods, as well as NWAG logo wear. Visit the Guide Hut online store for available merchandise.

The Guide Hut serves Northwest Alpine Guides climbing customers only. It is not open to the public, and does not serve customers outside of scheduled operating 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 the 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. In rare cases, Northwest Alpine Guides staff may provide limited transportation between the trailhead and Sedro-Woolley / Seattle / Bellevue as a fee service.

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

Take I-5 North towards Burlington to Cook Road in Skagit County.
Take exit 232 from I-5 N

Turn right onto Cook Road, Head East to Sedro-Woolley
Follow Cook Road to Borseth Road in Sedro-Woolley, 7 min (4.3 mi)

At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit and onto Borseth Road
Turn left onto F & S Grade Road

The NWAG Guide Hut is the first building on your left

From Bellingham

Take I-5 South towards Burlington to Cook Road in Skagit County.
Take exit 232 from I-5 S

Follow Cook Road to Borseth Road in Sedro-Woolley, 7 min (4.3 mi)
Turn left onto F & S Grade Road

The NWAG Guide Hut is the first building on your left

From Burlington

From State Highway 20 East, at the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto Cook Road (after the Walgreens)

Follow Cook Road to Borseth Road in Sedro-Woolley, 7 min (4.3 mi)
Turn left onto F&S Grade Road

The NWAG Guide Hut is the first building on your left

Hotels

Lodging in Burlington and Sedro-Woolley, Washington. For those who wish to lodge close to the meeting location the night before the climb, the following options are recommended.

Three Rivers Inn Hotel
210 Ball Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

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

There are many hotel choices in Seattle, Bellevue and Issaquah.

Red Lion Hotel Bellevue
11211 Main Street
Bellevue, WA 98004

Motel 6 Seattle East Issaquah
1885 15th Pl NW
Issaquah, WA 98027

Mountain Weather

For updated North Cascades weather forecasts, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose Northwest Alpine Guides

Since 2008, we have offered world-class climbs and courses throughout the Pacific Northwest. We make safety our foremost priority. We employ some of the most talented guides in the industry, and we maintain low client-to-guide ratios to ensure that you enjoy the best possible experience. We also offer a wide selection of rental equipment and other services from our Guide Hut in the town of Sedro-Woolley, Washington, the “Gateway to the North Cascades.” No other company operates a dedicated full-service facility so close to Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan and nearby peaks. To learn more about our services, history and philosophy please visit: Why Choose Northwest Alpine Guides.

Is mountaineering for you?

If you have never climbed before and are curious to sample the beauty and thrill of ascending big, glaciated mountains, our 3-day intro course and summit climb on Mount Baker offers an excellent way to explore mountaineering and decide if it is right for you. Mountaineering is an intensely physical adventure sport that demands stamina and endurance. Climbing can be strenuous, but as any mountaineer will tell you, the struggles of the ascent are often balanced out by the camaraderie and scenery you’ll experience along the way – and the exhilaration of stepping onto a summit and looking down at the long distance you’ve come.

If climbing the Seven Summits is on your bucket list, a glacier mountaineering course can be a great way to begin practicing the skills you’ll need on your international adventure. Mount Baker is one of the most heavily glaciated peaks in the Lower 48, but it is relatively easy to access and offers beginner climbing terrain. This combination makes it an excellent training ground for both committed mountaineers and those who are just beginning to explore “the alpine.”

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.