Mt. Baker, North Ridge
Location
Bellingham, Washington
Group Size
2 people per guide
Duration
3 days
Location
Bellingham, Washington
Group Size
2 people per guide
Duration
3 days
North Ridge – One of the best snow and ice climbs in the United States. This is a demanding route with prior ice climbing experience necessary. One of the factors that making this climb so enticing is its ice climbing. Many volcano climbs are walk-ups with minimal actual ice climbing involved. The North Ridge however, for the competent climber, offers a higher angle experence where climbers are required to swing their ice tools. As with all ice climbs, conditions play a large role in the feasibility of the climb.
The route begins as the Coleman Deming and then traverses under the Coleman Headwall before gaining the ridge. Crevasse navigation is the biggest challenge on this part of the route. Once on the ridge, climbers will enjoy steep but relatively easy snow/ice climbing on a well defined ridge on the approach to the summit ice cap. When the cap is reached the climb ascends 50-70 degree ice for 3 – 6 pitches to the summit and is the most spectacular section of the route. Swinging tools at 10,000 feet as the early morning beams of sun shoot out over the summit can be a religious experience in the mountain world. To descend climbers follow the Coleman-Deming route back to camp for coffee and a candy bar before the walk back to the car.
Day 1: Hike to Base Camp
Day 2: Summit Bid, and back to camp (possible hike out to cars)
Day 3: Hike out to cars
