Mt. Baker Guided Climbs

Summit Mt. Baker

The northern cousin to Rainier and the third highest peak in Washington, Mount Baker is a massive stratovolcano located in the majestic North Cascades. It is the most glaciated peak in the Cascades after Rainier. This challenging peak offers views that are hands down some of the best in the northwest.

Why Climb Mt. Baker vs. Mt. Rainier?

Rainier gets the attention of many climbers, due it its pedigree as the highest glaciated peak in the lower 48 states. Rainier is an incredible peak and it is certainly deserving of its reputation, but Mount Baker in many ways rivals or surpasses Rainier as a climbing destination.

Both peaks rise over 10,000 feet and offer a climbing experience that you can only get in a few parts of the world. Climbing on Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier will offer experiences that rival Alaska, Central America, the Alps, and the Himalaya.

Similar Climbing
Mt. Baker is in many ways a similar climb to Rainier. Both mountains are massive volcanic domes with terrain that is complex and exciting. Each mountain offers routes for beginners all the way to world-class alpine test-pieces.

Avoid the Crowds
With the hype comes the crowds. Rainier can be a madhouse, with literal lines of climbers all the way up the mountain. On Mount Baker, you’ll experience all the awe and majesty of being high above the clouds but you won’t see the massive crowds like Rainier.

Better Views
While Rainier boasts nice views of surrounding volcanoes such as Mt. Adams and Mt. Saint Helens, the terrain around it is relatively flat when compared to Mount Baker.

Mount Baker boasts incredible close up views of Mt. Shuksan, one of the most picturesque peaks in America. It also sits in the North Cascades, one of the most beautiful mountain ranges you’ll find. The dozens of snow capped and rocky peaks offer views that Rainier just can’t match.

Guides Prefer Mount Baker
Our Mt. Baker guides generally agree that Baker is a favorite over Rainier. It offers varied terrain that is exciting and fun, and because of all the reasons mentioned already, our guides love this mountain!

More Successful Summits
While still being a considerable challenge for any climber, Mount Baker’s lower elevation means less likelihood of altitude sickness, and a better chance of reaching the summit as a result. Climbers on Mount Baker generally have a much higher chance of a successful summit than Rainier, which has about a 50% success rate on average.

Mt Baker North Ridge:

Intermediate-Advanced, Grade III, AI 2-3, Steep Snow/Glacier Travel

The North Ridge is compiled in many guidebooks as a Cascade classic. Approach via Heliotrope ridge on the mountain’s north side to camp around 6,000 feet. After weaving through crevasse fields while traversing the massive Coleman Glacier, climb steep snow to the base of a large ice cliff. Surmount this obstacle with 1-2 pitches of moderate ice climbing, then continue up the immaculate ridge the remaining distance to the 10,778-foot summit.

Mt Baker Coleman-Deming / Squak Glacier / Easton Glacier Routes:

Beginner, Grade II/III, Moderate Snow/Glacier Travel

This Mt. Baker guided climb will happen on either the Coleman-Deming, Squak Glacier, or Easton Glacier routes, depending on conditions. Although these routes are less technical than the North Ridge, climbers should expect to be challenged physically and mentally. However, you will be rewarded for your efforts by summiting one of the biggest volcanoes in the continental United States. Our professional Mt. Baker guides will ensure you have an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling accomplished and ready for the next summit.

Additional Info

Our Mountaineering: Guided Climbs allow you access to the greatest experiences the Cascades offer. Many have been curated in guidebooks like Beckey’s 100 Favorite North American Climbs, Kearney’s Classic Climbs of the Northwest, Steck and Roper’s 50 Classic Climbs of North America, and Nelson and Potterfield’s Select Climbs in the Cascades. We’ve carefully chosen objectives that require the perfect balance of challenge and skill. As a result, these trips are all overnight, incorporate movement on snow/glaciated terrain, and varying degrees of 3rd, 4th, and 5th class rock climbing.

Each climb requires different management strategies, so the instructor to participant ratio changes dependent upon the terrain in which you will encounter on your objective. For instance, rock routes are limited to a 2:1 ratio, whereas snow/glaciated routes are 3:1. Please consider these practical limitations when planning your Pacific Northwest experience.

Contact us to develop a custom itinerary for you and your party.

These are custom climbs; please visit our custom pricing page for the most accurate cost.