Mt. Baker
Komo Kulshan
Coleman-Deming
The Coleman-Deming route is an entry-level climb that is perfect for mountaineers new to glaciated terrain. With moderately angled glaciers, easy rock scrambling, and unforgettable views from the trailhead to the summit, this route is rewarding for novices and experienced climbers alike. Mt. Baker’s elevation and record-breaking snowfall totals keep this route in good climbing shape late into the summer climbing season.
The Coleman Deming is also a great advanced-level ski mountaineering objective in the spring. It doesn’t get much better than skiing off the summit and down the steep Roman Headwall, followed by thousands of feet of wide-open glacier skiing back to camp.
Itinerary
Day 1: Approach to Camp
Goal: Hike to Gargoyle Rocks Camp and review mountaineering techniques.
Approx. Hiking Time: ~3 hours
Distance: ~2.75 miles
Elevation Gain: ~2,600 ft
Morning Meet-Up:
Meet your guides and team at the Wake N’ Bakery in Glacier, WA, at 9:00 AM for introductions, gear check, and trip briefing with coffee and pastries.
Drive to Heliotrope Ridge TH.
Approach:
Hike through the forest and subalpine meadows to Gargoyle Rocks Camp at the toe of the Coleman Glacier.
Afternoon:
Set up tents and camp.
Skills review: crampon technique, self-arrest, glacier rope travel, crevasse rescue fundamentals.
Early dinner and rest—alpine start tomorrow.
Day 2: Climb the Coleman-Deming
Goal: Summit Mt. Baker via the Coleman-Deming.
Duration: 7-9
Round Trip Distance: ~5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: ~4,500 ft.
Alpine Start: ~3:00–5:00 AM departure.
Coleman-Deming Climb Overview:
Navigate the Coleman Glacier to access the base of Pumice Ridge (9,200’)
Ascend the Pumice Ridge to the base of the Roman Headwall (35-40°)
Continue across the summit plateau to the summit!
Summit:
Reach the summit of Mt. Baker (10,781 ft) late morning to early afternoon.
Celebrate, hydrate, and prepare for descent.
Descent:
Descend the Coleman-Deming route to camp.
Hydrate and enjoy a well-earned dinner.
Day 3: Hike Out + Debrief
Goal: Pack up camp and descend to the trailhead.
Duration: 3 hours
Morning:
Breakfast and pack-up.
Descend the Heliotrope Ridge trail to the trailhead for a debrief and high-fives.
Guides provide feedback, next-step recommendations, and photos.
Head home!
North Ridge
The North Ridge is one of the classic, advanced-level volcano climbs of the Northwest. The ridge itself ascends nearly 4,000 feet directly to the summit. Climbers should be prepared for challenging glacier navigation and multiple pitches of alpine ice climbing.
During the ascent, participants will gain confidence and become more skilled at moving efficiently through steep alpine ice and snow. This program is ideal for climbers who have completed our 5-day Mountaineering Course and have prior ice climbing experience. To prepare for this challenging objective, we recommend joining us in Ouray, Colorado, for three days of ice climbing the winter before your North Ridge climb!
Itinerary
Day 1: Approach to Camp
Goal: Hike to Gargoyle Rocks Camp and review mountaineering techniques.
Approx. Hiking Time: ~3 hours
Distance: ~2.75 miles
Elevation Gain: ~2,600 ft
Morning Meet-Up:
Meet your guides and team at the Wake N’ Bakery in Glacier, WA, at 9:00 AM for introductions, gear check, and trip briefing with coffee and pastries.
Drive to Heliotrope Ridge TH.
Approach:
Hike through the forest and subalpine meadows to Gargoyle Rocks Camp at the toe of the Coleman Glacier.
Afternoon:
Set up tents and camp.
Skills review: crampon technique, self-arrest, glacier rope travel, crevasse rescue fundamentals.
Early dinner and rest—alpine start tomorrow.
Day 2: Climb the North Ridge
Goal: Summit Mt. Baker via the North Ridge and descend the Coleman-Deming.
Duration: 9–13 hours
Round Trip Distance: ~6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: ~4,500 ft.
Alpine Start: ~3:00–5:00 AM departure.
North Ridge Climb Overview:
Cross the Coleman Glacier to access the base of the North Ridge (7,750’).
Ascend moderate snow slopes (40–50°) and negotiate a bergschrund crossing.
Climb 800–1,000 ft of sustained 45–70° alpine ice, one or two technical pitches depending on conditions.
Continue up steep snow slopes to the summit plateau.
Summit:
Reach the summit of Mt. Baker (10,781 ft) late morning to early afternoon.
Celebrate, hydrate, and prepare for descent.
Descent:
Descend the Coleman-Deming route to camp.
Hydrate and enjoy a well-earned dinner.
Day 3: Hike Out + Debrief
Goal: Pack up camp and hike back to the Heliotrope Ridge TH.
Duration: 3 hours
Morning:
Breakfast and pack-up.
Descend the Heliotrope Ridge trail to the trailhead for a debrief and high-fives.
Guides provide feedback, next-step recommendations, and photos.
Head home!
