Mt. Baker | North Ridge | 1 spot Available August 14th-16th, 2020
The North Ridge of Mount Baker: Photo John Scurlock
Join a Mount Baker - North Ridge Summit Climb.
MOUNT BAKER - 10778’ / 3285m
The North aspect of the Kulshan holds Alaskan scale alpine-ice routes in the North Cascades. The use of two ice tools is required to climb steep glaciers and several pitches of technical alpine ice terrain. This climb is a test piece for mountaineers looking to progress into the next level or an alpinist wanting to sample the Cascades. It is that reason we find the best program length to be 4-days. Our program also includes a day of technical alpine ice training instruction and we can use our time strategically to skirt fowl weather. This is an advanced level route yielding grand accomplishments in attempt or success.
Details
Location: Mount Baker
Ratio: 2:1 climber to guide *1 SPOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
Length: 3 days + 1/2 day travel and prep
Cost: $1167.00 per person
Dates: August 14th-16th (Climb) *(13th half-day travel and prep)
Itinerary
Prep Day - Travel via public transportation to Skagit Valley, WA. The team will start with a welcome meeting, run through a group gear-check and program orientation. We will get your pack to a comfortable weight and have time to answer any questions you may have.
Day 1 - We will meet regroup at the trailhead at 3,700’ deep in the sub-alpine old growth of North Cascades. The team then hikes to base on Forest Service trail systems to our camp at the toe of the Coleman Glacier. We will use the remainder of the day getting a jump on skills training; 2.5 Miles, +2,600’ Elevation Gain, 3-4 Hours Travel Time, 35-45 lb. Pack Weight
Day 2 - Summit day! The group will alpine start and spend a full day climbing the North Ridge route to the summit. With an afternoon summit the group will descend the Coleman Glacier and return to camp. +4980ft of gain and -3320ft of loss. 10-12hrs of travel time. 28lb Pack Weight
Day 3 - After a well deserved rest we enjoy a lazy morning. The team will pack up camp and descend the remainder of the glacier and loup back into our approach trail and descend the mountain. 3.9 mi of travel on-3800ft of descent. 5hrs of travel time. 35lb. Pack Weight
Includes
All on breakfasts and dinners on the mountain
Tents
Stoves and fuel
All group climbing equipment
Guide guaranteed to be working with in their S.O.P.
Emergency communication
Excludes
Transport
Personal climbing and camping equipment
Lunches and snacks on the mountain
Activity Requirements
Moderate to strenuous trekking and climbing at elevations above 10,000’
Previous glacier travel over moderate terrain
Previous Alpine Mountaineering skills courses or climbing resume suitable for such an attempt Physical ability to climb alpine ice with two ice tools and crampons
Capable of handling moderate amounts of exposure to heights
Ability to carrying a heavy pack (up to 40 lbs)
Overnight camping in tents and basic backcountry skills
Activity Resources
Recommended Pre-Trip Training Plan
Mount Baker Facts
Mount Baker, known to the Salish people as “Kulshan”, is the highest peak in the North Cascades and the 3rd highest summit in the state of Washington. It sustains more than 100 square kilometers of glaciers and permanent snow fields. When weather and glacial conditions are right, the ascents can be an extremely rewarding challenge and non-technical. However, this venue makes its own weather providing a perfect template for building lasting skills. This mountain is great for the novice to intermediate climber looking to experience a big mountain. We thoughtfully arranged fully inclusive packaged products, that encourages the use of public transport, and maintains a boutique feel steeped in culture of the Pacific Northwest.
All scheduled programs can also be booked with custom dates and itineraries. Please see our Custom Guiding pages for more information or Contact Us for a custom program.
All programs are subject to the Mountain Bureau LLC Terms & Conditions
MB Client high on the upper North Ridge of Mt. Baker
Photo Credit: Mark Allen