Mount Baker Two Day Ascent – $410
Dates: July 9 – 10 (3 spots) ; 21 – 22; August 17 – 18 (3 spots)
Mount Baker Three Day Skills and Climb – $570
Dates: July 13 – 15
Mount Baker, with it’s huge glaciers and lofty size dominate the landscape for over a hundred miles in all directions. This fire breathing mountain is home to the thickest sheets of ice in the contiguous 48 states making this climb one to remember. Our climb starts with full packs in temperate rain-forests. The hike then takes us up and up into gradually changing ecosystems until we reach the sub-alpine Hog’s Back. Here we bathe in views of the Coleman and Roosevelt glaciers with the Canadian Coast range to the North as we set camp.
On summit day we rise early and rope up. From camp to the top the climb is spent entirely on glacier. We climb the Coleman glacier while traversing under the steep rock walls and ice cliffs of the Black-Buttes. This takes us to the Roman Slope where we gain big views to the south and climb the last 1,500 feet to the summit which is 10,770 feet of elevation.
Itinerary and Program overview
Day 1: 8:00 Meet at Back Country Essentials in down town Bellingham. Introductions, gear check and last chance to buy items. Arrive at Heliotrope ridge trailhead in early afternoon. Hiking begins at 3,200 feet of elevation. We hike three miles up to camp at 5,200.
Skills covered: Efficient backpacking for climbers; map, compass and GPS; mountain weather; glacier formation; Intro to crampons and ice axe; movement skills on basic snow and ice slopes; self arrest
Day 2: 1:00 AM - 3:00 AM leave camp for summit climb. This will put us on the summit somewhere between 8 and 10 AM. The summit of Mt Baker is at 10,770 feet.
On a clear day onecan see clear to the southern end of the state of Washington, with views of Mt Rainier and the Jagged North Cascade range in between. To the north we get big views into the Canadian Coast range and then of course to the west we look down 10,770 feet to the Puget Sound.
Skills covered: Time management; Pacing; Self Care; Glacier travel.
“Thank you so much again for an amazing experience. Climbing Baker was an incredible experience, something I have wanted to do for two decades. I guess it’s never too late. I really appreciate all that you did to make it go smoothly, safely and well.
The whole thing was a bit of a whirlwind for me. I’m just now starting to process it all. The nexus of climbing, being very cold at the top and getting married was a bit overwhelming. But it was one of the BEST days of my life.
As for the technical climb aspect of it, I really loved the hardest parts. I want to do it again and again. My legs are finally working properly again; I would climb it tomorrow. I really want to continue learning and getting better at mountaineering at those elevations. I want to get my daughter started in climbing.”
- Marketa
Mount Baker Ice Climbing and North Ridge Ascent – $980
Dates: July 26 – 29; September 4 – 7
Mount Baker’s lower Coleman Glacier is the absolute best classroom in the lower 48 states to learn how to climb glacier ice. Throughout this four-day tool swinging and crampon kicking extravaganza you will get the opportunity to learn to climb steep ice, travel through complex glacier and climb one of the best alpine ice routes in the country. Get ready for a big workout and an even bigger reward.
Participants must have good fitness, experience backpacking and have general mountaineering skills. Including self arrest, general cramponing and ice axe use.
Itinerary and Program overview
Day 1: 8:00AM Meet at Back Country Essentials in downtown Bellingham. Introductions, gear check and last chance to buy items. Arrive at Heliotrope Ridge trailhead in early afternoon. Hiking begins at 3,200 feet of elevation. Hike to Harrison’s Camp at 5,000 feet, set camp and carry out skill review.
Day 2: Ice climbing skills on lower Coleman Glacier. Fine tuned assessment of clients’ ability to climb North Ridge. Other options are Roman Mustache or Coleman-Deming.
Day 3: 2:00 – 3:00AM leave camp. Ascend to base of route. Assess fitness and weather/route safety. Climb North Ridge Route, if conditions allow. Descend to Harrison Camp.
Day 4: Pack up and hike out Heliotrope Ridge trail.
Contact Peregrine Expeditions today to book your Mount Baker Ascent.
