Our guide was incredible. He had a wealth of knowledge and experience that he was always happy to share with us. He knew I had an interest in progressing my mountaineering skills and knowledge and answered my endless questions. He was also an excellent communicator, set very clear expectations, was positive and respectful, and intentionally fostered a personal connection with each member of the group. He was 100% competent and confident on the mountain.
Mount Baker 3 Day Climb Itinerary
Day Before Climb
Mandatory 4 p.m. gear check at Alpine Ascents’ Seattle office, to ensure that everyone is fully equipped and prepared to depart the next morning. During this session, we’ll ensure all climbers are fully equipped and ready for the climb. Rental gear will be fitted, packs organized, and we’ll review the function of each item. We’ll also cover Leave No Trace principles, basic wilderness ethics, and provide a brief overview of what to expect on the climb.
Duration: Approximately 1.5 – 2 hours.
Day 1
We depart the Alpine Ascents office at 6:00 a.m. and drive approximately 2.5 hours to the Schrieber’s Meadow trailhead (3,400 ft.) on the south side of Mt. Baker. The approach takes us through beautiful old-growth forest and alpine meadows, eventually breaking into open terrain as we ascend toward our pre established camp at 6,200 ft. We typically arrive in the early afternoon, allowing time to settle in, hydrate, and rest. Once settled in at camp, guides will lead a glacier skills session including crampon use, self-arrest with an ice axe, and rope team travel. We’ll wrap up the evening with a hot dinner with expansive views of the Easton Glacier and Puget Sound.
Training and Planning:
On the approach, instruction includes nutrition, hydration, rest steps, pressure breathing, and temperature management. Guides will also discuss Leave No Trace practices. We will have the option to summit on Day 2 or Day 3 as conditions warrant. If we summit Day 2 – glacier training will be completed afternoon of Day 1. One of the keys to this trip’s success is having two possible summit days.
Day 2
After a predawn breakfast, we begin our summit ascent. The route starts with a climb to the top of the Easton moraine at 7,000 ft., where we step onto the Easton Glacier. From there, we’ll ascend the Easton Glacier to the crater rim at 9,800 ft., enjoying breaks along the way. We will take a long break at the Sherman Crater. We then ascend up the Roman Wall and finish with a short walk to the summit of Mt. Baker at 10,781 ft. The climb typically takes 6.5-9 hours round-trip from camp at a moderate pace. If conditions are clear, climbers are rewarded with panoramic views of the North Cascades and beyond. Back at camp we will have a hot dinner in the evening.
Training:
Mountaineering skills are continuously taught and practiced throughout the climb, including crampon technique, ice axe use, self-arrest, rope-team travel, and efficient movement in alpine terrain. By integrating instruction directly into the ascent, participants gain more effective, hands-on learning with immediate application in real mountain conditions.
Note: Based on years of feedback and guide experience, we’ve found that most climbers strongly prefer summiting on Day 2. It allows for a more relaxed pace, a full summit day without time pressure, and the opportunity to return to camp and enjoy the evening without the need to immediately pack up and descend. Since shifting to this model, our summit success rate has climbed to over 95%.
Optional Day 3 Summit Attempt
If weather or route conditions prevent a Day 2 summit, Day 3 will serve as a contingency summit day. All essential training will be completed on Day 2.
Day 3
If the summit is reached on Day 2, we’ll enjoy a relaxed morning at camp, with optional, guide-led discussions on topics such as glaciology, mountain weather, and snow anchors. We’ll then break camp and descend to the trailhead, typically returning to Seattle by early evening, with a celebratory meal stop along the way.
Reserving Day 3 as a weather day ensures we maximize the opportunity for a safe and successful summit, while maintaining a flexible and rewarding experience for all climbers.
Itinerary subject to change due to conditions.
*Alpine Ascents recommends flying out no earlier than the morning after your climb.
Elevation Profile
Day 1: Schriebers Meadow – Camp
Elevation gain – 2,775ft
Hours – 3.5-4.5hrs
Miles 3.75
Pack weight 35lbs
Day 2: Summit Day
Elevation gain 4,681 up
Hours – 6.5-9hrs
Miles – 6 miles
Pack Weight – 15lbs
Day 3: Camp to Parking lot
Elevation descend 2,775ft down
Hours 2-2.5
Miles 3.75
Pack Weight – 30lbs
The guides were able to teach in a simple and effective manner that stuck with me. I learned more in those few days from the guides than from any other experience I’ve had.
