5 routes · Alpine Climbing
Mount Baker - Easton Glacier
A straightforward route to one of Washington's classic volcanic summits
Alpine Climbing Easy
- Distance
- 23 km
- Ascent
- 2.3 km
- Descent
- 2.3 km
- Low Point
- 1 km
- High Point
- 3.3 km
- Gradient
- 23˚
One of the most popular routes to the summit, the Easton Glacier is slightly more straightforward than the also popular Coleman-Demming route. Beginning at the Park Butte trailhead, it winds its way to the Easton Glacier moraine and along the Railroad Grade to high camp around 6,000 ft.
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Description
From here, most parties rope up for glacier travel and begin the fairly low angle ascent of the Easton Glacier toward the base of Sherman Peak. The route then switchbacks up the eastern side of the Roman Wall, the steepest section of the climb, before reaching a broad and flat summit plateau. Crossing the plateau leads to a snowy mound that marks the true summit of Mount Baker.
Difficulty
Easy
The ascent involves simple glacier hiking and/or short, straightforward rock scrambles. Equivalent to Alpine F, F+
Low Exposure
The route is well protected or easy enough that protection is not required.
Remoteness
Away from help but easily accessed.
Best time to visit
Equipment required
- Ice axe
- Crampons
- Glacier kit
Guidebooks in this area