Highlighted Areas
The most prominent feature of the Mt. Baker Wilderness Area is undoubtedly the 10,781 foot [3,286 meters] active volcano from which the wilderness takes its name. Mt. Baker is the northernmost volcano in the United States Cascade Range located 15 miles south of the Canadian border. The mountain is perpetually snow-capped and mantled with an extensive network of creeping glaciers. Baker's summit, called Grant Peak, is actually a 1,300-foot-deep mound of ice, which hides a massive volcanic crater. Directly to the south is a smaller and younger crater, which is currently a center of periodic steam eruptions. Sherman Crater is only partially ice-filled and the rim's pinnacle, known as Sherman Peak, reaches an elevation of approximately 10,160 feet [3,097 meters].
Mt. Baker lies in two separate congressionally designated areas: the Mt. Baker Wilderness Area and the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area. Most of Mt. Baker is in Wilderness, with the National Recreation Area encompassing the south slope.
Mt. Baker Climbing
Mt. Baker offers a variety of approaches with varying degrees of technical difficulty for would-be climbers. Some of the more popular routes are via the Coleman Glacier and the Easton Glacier. All routes to the summit of Mt. Baker are technical climbs on glaciers. Glacier travel experience, knowledge of crevasse rescue techniques and safe climbing habits are a must.
A recreation pass is required at the trailhead. Follow Leave No Trace practices, remove wands from your route and pack out all your garbage. Use mountain toilets when provided or the blue bag method; you can get bags at your ranger station. Wilderness regulations apply when entering the Mt. Baker Wilderness. Backcountry permits are not required to climb Mt. Baker.
Guide services offer a variety of climbing courses and provide an opportunity to acquire and improve mountaineering skills.
The Mt. Baker Wilderness Area and NRA imposes unique regulations and limitations for hikers and climbers, addressed in the Permits and Regulations section.
Before climbing, leave your plans with someone you trust. Include your expected time of return, vehicle and license number, where you will park and your climbing route.
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