Mt. Baker

As a Pacific Northwest beacon for mountaineering, Mt. Baker is a mandatory climbing objective for any mountaineer. Join us for an ice climbing or mountaineering experience that will change your life!

At 10,775’, Mt Baker is the 4^th highest peak in Washington State. Something unique about climbing Mt. Baker is the proximity to the ocean. Mount Baker guards the crest of the Cascade Range, the northernmost volcano in the Washington state. Only 50 miles, as the crow flies, from the ocean, the summit tastes that much sweeter! Get an amazing view of Canada, the San Juans, the Picket Range of the North Cascades, and of Mt. Rainier.

While Mount Baker is lower than Rainier and Adams, the access to glaciated slopes beginning at a mere 4,000’ elevation, make this a large and immense mountain.  The gentle south and west slopes allow beginning climbers a great entry into the world of glacier travel, while the imposing north face is one of the coveted classic lines for advanced mountaineers in the Pacific Northwest.

Baker is a year-round area for alpine adventure.  Skiing throughout the winter, mountaineering through the spring and summer, and glacier ice-climbing in the fall.  This is an area of great access and amazing views.  If you want to explore the vertical of the PNW, Mount Baker is your mountain!

The summit view (10,864’) is incredible, neighboring Mount Shuksan is so close you feel you could touch it, and the Fischer Chimneys, and Sulphide Glacier routes are easily visible to inspire you to climb them.  Rainier, the Enchanments, Olympics and the Canadian Coast Range encircle you with a 360^o view.

Enjoy a wilderness experience with KAF Adventures learning technical skills, and learn about the demands both physically and emotionally about climbing mountains. Mt Baker is the perfect training ground as you gain
experience traveling in glaciated terrain and building your skill set to climb Mt. Rainier.

Whether you decide to climb the Squak Glacier with us as a beginning mountaineering experience or try a more advanced climb as the North Ridge KAF Adventures will support your learning style and objectives.

Summit Climb:

Our Introdution to Moutaineering courses use the venue of Mount Baker and the Squak Glacier.  This is a more remote and considerably less traveled route on the mountain than neighboring Coleman-Demming and Easton Glacier routes.  This 3-day outing gives you the perfect introduction to glacier travel, summit climb, and alpine camping and travel techniques.

Day 1:  Meet at a Seattle Area Park and Ride.  Carpool to Trailhead

• Hike to high camp at Crag View (Elevation)
• Navigation, route finding, steep snow walking techniques, snow camping, alpine self-care

Day 2: Snow skills and Glacier travel education day!!!

• Full snow school, ice axe arrest, self-belay, crampon technique
• Rope team travel
• Summit attempt preparation.
• Remained camped at  Crag View

Day 3: Summit Attempt

• Climb the Squawk Glacier and meet up with the Easton Glacier Route just below the Roman Headwall (9,200’) climb the final 1,000’ to the summit and enjoy the views!
• Descend to camp, pack up and head down the trail back to the cars!

Introduction to Mountaineering Outing

Get hands on experience preparing, traveling, navigating, using your gear, camping, cooking, and a summit attempt. Take the knowledge gained in class and transfer it to the real situations while trying to reach the summit during this amazing climb.

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 Mt. Baker’s North Ridge

A true alpine testpiece waiting to be climbed…

Advanced climb North Ridge of Mt. Baker, this is a three day summit climb over the amazing North Ridge.

Mt. Baker’s North Ridge is an alpine climber’s dream. It is a true test of stamina, skill and composure on a big Northwest mountain!!!

If you are looking for the next step in climbing difficulty and technical terrain management, this is a great climb for you.

A quick approach brings you to the base of a heavily crevassed and imposing face split by the backbone of the North Ridge of Mt. Baker. 4,000′ feet of sustained 60-70 degree snow and ice leave you wishing this route would go on forever – yet leaves your calves begging for the summit plateau!!!

The North Ridge of Mt. Baker offers a fantastic opportunity that every climber should experience.

If you have any questions, please contact us on the contact bar on the left side of this page.

 

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Alpine Ice climbing 

Come learn the fundamentals of ice climbing in the sun, and summer on the Coleman Glacier.  See page for more information.

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Custom dates are available!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Once you have had experience climbing with us try out and intermediate climb! Don’t forget our most extensive course – the 9 day Alpine Climbing Course.