- Dates: Custom, book 2
- Duration: 1 Day
- Level: Beginner
- Client Ratio: 6:1
- Cost:
- – $255
- – $285 Includes transportation up to a group of 4
- Included: Guide, group climbing equipment, meals on the mountain, personal climbing equipment necessary to walk onto the glacier
- Not Included: Transportation, snacks on the trail, gratuities for the guide.
The Mt Baker Glacier Trek is the ultimate PNW day trip! Come trek on the glaciers of Mt Baker, located in the North Cascades. The White Watcher’s fame stems from its accessible, enormous glaciers that climbers gravitate to learn on and challenge themselves whether on the gentle Easton Glacier to the knife edge North ridge. These are the unceded lands of The Nooksack, who live in the closest proximity to the north face of the mountain, have multiple names for different areas of the mountain. The name Kweq’ Smánit, meaning “white mountain,” refers to Mt. Baker as a whole, and specifically, to the glacier-covered summit above 7,000 feet. The open slopes of Mt. Baker, between about 5,000 feet and 7,000 feet, are known as Kwelshán, meaning “shooting place,” referring to the act of going hunting up on the slopes. The third main name for the mountain is Spelhpálhx̠en, meaning “many meadows,” refers to the sheltered meadows below around 5,500 feet. The Upper Skagit peoples, who live in the closest proximity to the south face of the mountain along the Skagit River watershed, call the mountain təqʷubəʔ in Lushootseed, which means “permanently snow-covered mountain.
Approaching via the Schrieber’s Meadow, trekkers have ample opportunity to practice their glacier mountaineering skills from the comfort of a 2-3 hour hike to the 6,000′ climbers base camp. We take in the views of the Twin Sisters Range, Mount Rainier, Mt. Shuksan, and the crest of the North Cascades. The mountain’s abundant alpine terrain make Baker an ideal location to enjoy short hike to the vast expanse of the Easton Glacier and walk up to ice walls and look down crevasses in the comfort of your hiking boots!
As visitors to these most fragile zones, our group will strive to practice good wilderness etiquette and environmental responsibility.
Drive from Seattle to the trailhead at Schrieber’s Meadow (3,400′) takes about 2.5 hours to the trailhead. @Schriber’s Meadow Trailhead parking lot, arrive 9:00 am, ready to go at 9:30am, perform a gear check.
The trail up the Easton Glacier gains elevation very slowly and we cover ~4 miles to Big Sandy where we stop for lunch. As we hike, Giant Cedars and Hemlock on our way to timberline along the Railroad Grade (4,900′ and 2.5 miles in from the road). Small streams, mosses, wild flowers, and stands of Silver Fir give way to the rock and ice of the nearby alpine zones.A brief glacier travel tutorial will be held nearby covering:
- Selection and use of personal equipment, ropes, knots & harnesses
- Crampon techniques,
- Roped glacier travel and crevasse navigation
- Discussions will include proper clothing, mountain weather, alpine ecology and Leave No Trace ethics.
- Examine the alpine ecosystem and witness the power of glacial erosion and other alpine features.
Glacier Equipment
- Adjustable Ski poles with powder (big) baskets*
- Harness (*provided by BCAG)
- Crampons (*provided by BCAG)
- 1 Large Locking Carabiner (*provided by BCAG)
-
Upper Body
- Lightweight base layer T-shirt or long sleeve polypropylene shirt
- Soft Shell( Wind proof layer)
- 1 Down/synthetic jacket
- 1 Hard shell jacket with hood Waterproof and breathable.
- 1 pair light gloves
- Warm hat
- Buff
- Shade hat or baseball cap
Backpack
- Internal frame pack 2000 cubic inch capacity, avoid unnecessary options that add weight
Miscellaneous Equipment
- Sunglasses 100% UV protection
- Personal first aid kit Basics: moleskin/blister kit, Band-Aids, first-aid tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, etc.
- Lip balm At least SPF 20,
- Sunscreen At least SPF 40
- Headlamp compact LED
- 2 water bottles 1 liter wide-mouth Nalgene and 1 bottle holster, or
- Bandana
- snacks
You will receive an introductory email with the instructor for your course. We are small company who enjoy working together in the mountains as well as highly skilled professionals who hold current Wilderness First Responder certification and are proficient in technical rescue and evacuation skills. Our guides are dedicated to the world of alpinism, many having first ascents and hold professional certifications with AIARE & AMGA. The AMGA is part of the IFMGA, which is the international body of certified mountain guides.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDES?
Tipping is considered standard practice in the guiding industry. Tipping amounts vary – so $15-20 per day per person/per guide is average that works well for the guides without a serious blow to your wallet. Often 10% of the course cost is a good rule-of-thumb. If you feel that the program was exceptional or substandard the tip can reflect that.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT FROM BCAG?
No we work with Ascent Outdoors, they rent avalanche safety equipment, alpine touring, tele and split boards click here. Quantities are limited so please contact them as soon as possible if you are interested.
HOW HEAVY WILL MY PACK BE?
You will carry 10-15 pounds, which will include everything on the equipment list.
WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY THE BALANCE OF MY TRIP?
Payable when you make your reservation by check, or credit card.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY TRIP?
If you should decide to cancel your trip, BCAG must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date we receive written notice. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the following schedule:
90 to 22 days from trip departure – 50% of trip cost
30 days or less – 100% of trip cost
WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO CHANGE THE DATES OF MY TRIP?
Schedule changes are subject to a $50 fee per person up to 2 weeks out and $100 less than 14 days from the start of the trip and may not be possible. If conditions or circumstances preclude running a scheduled program we reserve the right to make the decision as to whether the program will be canceled, rescheduled, or an alternative provided.
WHAT HAPPENS IF BC ADVENTURE GUIDES HAS TO CANCEL MY TRIP?
In the rare circumstance where we need to cancel a program you can reschedule without a fee or receive a refund on your deposit. If circumstances arise that force us to cancel a program that is already in progress we reserve the right to decide whether a refund or credit, at a prorated rate, will be issued. We are not responsible for cancellation fees or costs arising from your changed or cancelled flights, lodging, or other arrangements. We strongly recommend obtaining trip cancellation insurance from your travel agent.
DO I NEED TO PURCHASE TRIP INSURANCE?
BCAG highly encourages the purchasing of trip cancellation and travel insurance on domestic trips and requires it on International trips. Europeans and Canadians use it because travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delays, medical expenses and emergency assistance.
Several options include Travelex or Travel Guard International at (1-877-248-8992) & www.travelguard.com for protecting your investment, however there are many companies to choose from and you may wish to do some individual research regarding which policy is right for you.
WHEN SHOULD I PLAN TO LEAVE A RETURN HOME?
We often get this question because most people need to know how much total time they need to take off work. Our Baker Treks begin by 8-9 AM at the trailhead and return to the car by 5. Our return to Seattle on the last day typically allows you to get back between 7-8 pm with the descent and drive back.
