3-Day Guided Glacier Climb in Washington State

Mount Baker

via Easton Glacier

Challenge yourself on one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic glacier climbs with a guided ascent of Mount Baker via the Easton Glacier Route.

Plan Your Trip

Duration

3-4 Days

Level

Beginner to Intermediate

Location

Mount Baker, WA

Price

From $1,150

Trip Overview

At 10,781 feet, Mount Baker is an excellent introductory glacier climb for those looking to develop mountaineering skills and experience alpine climbing in the Pacific Northwest. Guided by experienced mountain professionals, this expedition combines glacier travel, crampon techniques, rope systems, and self-arrest instruction with an unforgettable summit experience.

Most climbs take place from June-August when weather and glacier conditions are generally most favorable. Throughout the expedition, guides provide technical instruction, mountain safety training, and logistical support while leading climbers through the beautiful Easton Glacier route toward the summit of Mount Baker.

We offer both climbs and ski/snowboard climb/descents, so be sure to check out that page if you are interested in what it takes to join.

Expedition Highlights

Round trip from Seattle w/ transport
Experienced guides/Instructors
Tents and food provided
Group and private trips available
Communication with your actual guide before the trip so you know who you’ll be working with

Itinerary

We will rendezvous in Seattle at 7am and complete a gear check to ensure we are well prepared for the next few days on this volcano. We will begin our hike, starting out in the dense forests for a couple hours before popping out above treeline. We will climb the Railroad Grade up to Sandy Camp at 6000’, a hike that gains approximately 3000’ and takes 4-6 hours. Once here, we will see how the group is feeling before determining where to establish camp. Before dinner, we will take part in a 1-1.5 hour school that will involve all the skills needed to successfully summit the mountain, including use of crampons, ice axe, harnesses, helmets, and ropes, and a tutorial on self arrest. Your guide will cook dinner, before heading to sleep to get rested for the ascent tomorrow.
We awake before the sun rises, and set off for the summit. We will quickly get onto the glacier and gear up, putting to use our lessons from yesterday afternoon. We must climb 4500’ from camp, walking about an hour between breaks. Before you know it, we have made it to the Sherman Crater, just below the Roman Wall. Here we take our last break, eating food and drinking before setting off on our final push. The Roman Wall is between 35-40˚, and takes just under an hour to ascend. Once we reach the apex, the slope angle will begin to lessen, approximately 15 minutes from the summit. Depending on the weather and conditions, we will soak in views from the top that stretch from the North Cascades, all the way to Rainier, Mount Adams, the Olympic Mountains, and into the City of Vancouver, BC. Once ready, we walk back down the way we came, arriving back at our high camp. We will rest, relax, and enjoy a nice cooked meal once more from your guide.
Todays plan will depend on yesterday. Sometimes in the mountains, the weather doesn’t always cooperate, so today is reserved as a backup weather day. If we were unable to summit on Day 2, we will attempt the summit today. If we reached the summit yesterday, we will enjoy a nice breakfast before packing up and heading down the trail, back to the car. Anticipate being back in Seattle between 4 and 10 pm, depending on our summit day.

What’s Included:

Transportation to/from Mount Baker from Seattle
Experienced Mount Baker guide(s) in a group of 4-1 ratio or less
Instruction on proper techniques or refresher course depending on group experience
Breakfast/Dinners and cooking while on the mountain
Tents