Ready to climb the icy giant of the Pacific Northwest? Join this 6-day Mount Baker glacier travel course and unleash your inner alpine adventurer! At 10,781 feet, Mount Baker reigns supreme in the North Cascades, inviting mountaineers of all stripes to explore its glacier-clad majesty. With expert guidance from an AMGA alpine guide famous for his experiential learning method, you’ll dive into the art of glacier travel, rope mastery, crevasse rescue, and alpine navigation. Get hands-on experience, build unshakable confidence, and emerge as a mountaineer capable of independent travel. Get ready to ascend Mount Baker and skyrocket your mountaineering prowess!
Discover glacier travel and crevasse rescue in a small, supportive group, ensuring personalized attention
Acquire essential alpine skills through practical, real-life scenarios and become a more independent mountaineer
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking glacial landscapes of Mt Baker while mastering mountaineering skills
Embark on a thrilling 6-day adventure on Mt Baker. Starting in Seattle, you'll head into the backcountry for hands-on training. Over four days, master essential glacier travel and crevasse rescue skills with an expert AMGA alpine guide. Your journey culminates with a Mount Baker summit attempt. Group camping and technical equipment are provided, along with a Northwest National Forest pass. Leave the mountain with newfound skills and unforgettable memories that will last for years to come.
Your adventure begins in Seattle, where you’ll meet the team. Kick things off with a comprehensive gear check to make sure everyone is fully prepared for the upcoming journey. Your seasoned guide will offer expert advice on any last-minute equipment needs, and you may visit REI and Feathered Friends for any necessary purchases. Following preparations, embark on a scenic drive to Sedro-Woolley or Burlington, where you’ll check into your accommodation. This evening, your group will also stock up on the food for the upcoming expedition.
Rise and shine to a hearty breakfast before heading to the trailhead, the starting point of your adventure. As you begin the hike to the campsite, take in the breathtaking views and get ready for the exciting days that lie ahead.
Today is dedicated to training and skill-building. Your Mt Baker alpine guide will take your group onto the glacier for hands-on practice in rope travel, snow anchors, and crevasse rescue techniques. You’ll receive comprehensive, full-day instruction to ensure you’re well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
The moment you’ve been preparing for has arrived. Today, you’ll make your summit attempt. With determination and the support of your Mt Baker guide, push your limits and strive to achieve your climbing goals.
After a successful climb and reaching new heights, descend from the mountain and return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest. Reflect on your accomplishments as you unwind and recharge. Celebrate your achievements with your guide and fellow mountaineers over dinner in town!
After breakfast, it’s time to leave. Transportation will be arranged to the airport, where you’ll depart with cherished memories and newfound mountaineering skills that will last a lifetime. Say goodbye to your guide and to the Pacific Northwest—or continue touring on your own.
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
To participate in the Mt. Baker glacier travel course, a very good level of fitness is essential. Participants should be able to hike 8-10 miles, climbing 2,500 – 3,500 vertical feet throughout the course of the day. In the weeks leading up to the course, participants should engage in strength training and aerobic exercises to enhance their fitness level. This preparation will contribute to your overall enjoyment and success on the course.
The course is designed for those looking to develop essential technical skills for independent rope team travel in crevassed terrain. While prior climbing experience can certainly expedite your mastery of rope management skills, it’s not a strict requirement. Familiarity with essential equipment like crampons and a mountain axe is advantageous, and having some previous experience with backcountry camping will also prove useful for the journey.
It’s important to note that climbing Mt. Baker is a challenging endeavor, but safety is of paramount importance. Your expert guide, who is well-versed in glacier travel and mountaineering, will be there to prepare you for the ascent. They will assess your skills, teach you new techniques, and closely observe your progress to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
For technical equipment, you need to bring:
For clothing, you need to bring:
For personal camping equipment, you need to bring:
Other personal items you need to bring are:
Given the unpredictable weather conditions and the demanding technical aspects of ascending Mt Baker, ensuring you have the specified equipment is paramount. Mt Baker in July can experience varying weather patterns, with temperatures ranging from 40°F (4°C) during the day to as low as 20°F (-6°C) at night. Snow and rain are not uncommon, and high winds can be challenging. Ahead of your expedition, you’ll have the opportunity to consult with your guide regarding the gear list.
Before embarking on this adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to have a comprehensive discussion about the gear list with your guide. If you find that you’re missing any of the required equipment, your guide will explore alternative options with you.
Please note that rental directly from your guide is not possible. On Day 1 of the trip, your group will go to an equipment store in Seattle where you can rent or purchase any necessary items following a thorough gear check. This ensures that you’re well-equipped and prepared for the journey ahead.
Meals during the Mt Baker glacier travel course are not included in the tour price.
On the first and the last days of the adventure, participants enjoy dinners at a restaurant conveniently located at their accommodation.
Additionally, on Day 1, your group will stock up on provisions for the journey to Mt Baker. These meals primarily comprise freeze-dried options, energy bars, nuts, and other snacks of your choice to keep you fueled and energized throughout the expedition. While camping, you’ll also have access to group cooking equipment, ensuring that you can prepare warm and satisfying meals during your stay in the mountains.
Group sizes and prices:
The Mt Baker summit and glacier travel course can be arranged for larger and for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
To get to Seattle, the starting point of the tour, most people fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. You will meet your guide and fellow mountaineers there. The precise meeting time on Day 1 will vary depending on the arrival of group members but typically falls within the morning to late afternoon timeframe.
Afterward, you will all go to either Burlington or Sedro-Wolley, where you will spend the night before heading to Mt Baker.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.
Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.
We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to.
If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
A 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
