CLIMB MOUNT BAKER - 10778’ / 3285m
Banner Photo: Adam U
We are the premier regional mountain guiding service. What makes us unique?
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.
Mount Baker (Kulshan) showing both North & South side glacier mountaineering routes and the profile of the steep North Ridge Photo: John Scurlock
FEATURED MOUNT BAKER CLIMBS
All of Our Featured Climbs are Scheduled Public Programs and can be purchased as Custom Trips
Baker is a perfect mountaineering and ski adventure for all skill levels. Photo: John Scurlock
MT. BAKER EASTON & COLEMAN-DEMING GLACIERS CLIMBS
Grade II (Glacier Travel)- MOUNTAINEERING ROUTE
Use public transportation and tie into a guided 3-day mountaineering summit team attempting Mount Baker. This mountain offers access to a span of glaciated alpine terrain for climbing. Begin your program in Skagit River Valley, then hike through old growth forests of the North Cascades. Learn how to use the tools of the trade and ascend iceclad slopes to the summit of a quintessential Cascades volcano.
GLACIER ROUTE SAMPLE ITINERARY
DOWNLOAD PNW MOUNTAINEERING GEARLIST
Guide to Client Ratio: 3:1-9:3
Standard Duration: 3 days + 1/2 prep
The North Ridge of Mount Baker: Photo John Scurlock
NORTH RIDGE of MT. BAKER CLIMB
Grade IV AI II Glacier Travel - ALPINE ICE
The North aspect of the Kunshan 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. It is an advanced level route yielding grand accomplishments in attempt or success.
ALPINE ICE ROUTE SAMPLE ITINERARY
DOWNLOAD PNW TECHNICAL ALPINE GEARLIST
Guide to Client Ratio: 3:1-9:3
Standard Duration: 4 days + 1/2 day prep
DETAILS
2020 SEASON
May-October
GUIDE:CLIENT RATIO
5:1 Max for Mountaineering Routes (Depending on Seasonal Conditions)
2:1 Max for Technical Alpine Ice Routes
TRAINING AND PREPARATION
CUSTOM GUIDING RATES
ALPINE ICE ROUTES (1-4 climbers)
1-Climber $749.00 day/climber
2-Climbers $449.00 day/climber
MOUNTAINEERING ROUTES (1-9 climbers)
1-Climber $749.00 day/climber
2-Climbers $449.00 day/climber
3-Climbers $349.00 day/climber
4-Climbers $299.00 day/climber
5-Climbers $299.00 day/climber
EXCLUDES
Transportation to and from meeting points
Personal climbing and camping equipment
Lunches and snacks on the mountain
INCLUDES
Professional Guide working within their Scope of Practice
All breakfasts and dinners on mountain
Tents
Stoves and Fuel
Climbing Racks and Ropes
Emergency communication
ALPINE ICE ROUTE PREREQUISITE SKILLS
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
Ability to carrying a heavy pack (up to 40 lbs)
Overnight camping in tents and basic backcountry skills
Capable of handling moderate amounts of exposure to height
MOUNTAINEERING ROUTE PREREQUISITE SKILLS
NO PREVIOUS MOUNTAINEERING required
Moderate to strenuous trekking and climbing at elevations above 10,000’
Travel over moderate glacial terrain
Ability to carrying a heavy pack (35-to-45 lbs)
All programs are subject to The Mountain Bureau Terms & Conditions
“Our Guide’s level of overall mountain knowledge, technical expertise, and ability to convey critically important packets of information was extraordinary”
-Seiji I.
