Mount Baker is the third-highest mountain in Washington, with an elevation of 10,781 feet (3,287 meters). It’s also a stratovolacano and the second most-glaciated peak in the lower 48 US states (behind nearby Mount Rainier).
These photos were taken during an ascent of the North Ridge route on Mount Baker this past Memorial Day weekend (May 27–29, 2023).
Let us celebrate the return of full-bleed images on Medium with some beautiful mountain imagery! But first, a few quick words on the logistics:
Mount Baker North Ridge
Difficulty: One pitch of AI2/AI3, glacier travel
Approach: The road is currently (summer 2023) washed out 4.5 miles short of the trailhead, so climbers must tackle an additional 4.5 miles and 1,800 feet of elevation gain each way.
Experience Level: Intermediate
GPX Track: Our track on Gaia
Climbers: Mark Hensley, Isaac Boger, Meg Kies, Dan Kay
More Info: The Mountaineers, SummitPost
Enough has been written about this route that I see no need for a full trip report. A few quick bullets:
- The glacier is mostly filled in with few visible crevasses.
- We were slow, which is why we were able to capture some of these stunning sunset images. Goody style would be to climb faster and be off the mountain earlier.
- We did not encounter the summit seracs as described in many other trip reports — from the end of the North ridge, we tackled steep but straightforward snow climbing trending right and up.
- Bikes or e-bikes seemed to be the best beta for tackling the current road closure — bike up and leave it chained to a tree at the trailhead proper.
- Toilets are open at the trailhead but you’ll need to bring your own toilet paper. Blue bags/wag bags are best for on the mountain.
- A local acquaintance tells me: “No one takes you seriously as a mountaineer in the PNW unless you ski off the summits.” I suppose we are not serious people.
- This climb is a long day but nothing crazy under current conditions.
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