Mt. Baker, Washington
Coleman Deming Glaciers
July 27-28, 2024

After hiking out from Lake Ann on Mount Shuksan, Laura and I headed to the Ranger station down in the tiny town of Glacier. We got as much information as we could about current climbing conditions on the Coleman Deming route that we would be climbing on Mount Baker before heading to a local restaurant for lunch.

Drying our gear on the lawn at the ranger station in Glacier Washington

We spent a few hours drying gear on the lawn at the ranger station before once again packing up and driving to the Mount Baker trailhead. We decided to hike in a few miles to a base camp just below the Coleman Glacier that afternoon. Given the warm temperatures, we wanted to get on the glacier early, so we headed up to the trailhead and got on our way up the easy dirt trail around 2:30 p.m. The route starts in a green, lush forest with several waterfalls and gorgeous wildflowers.

Justin near the start of the trail leading up Mt. Baker.

Laura at one of the waterfalls along the trail.

Justin with our first views of Mt. Baker from the trail near tree line.

The hike went by quickly and easily and we were soon at a high camp. We found an open space that had rocks set around a relatively flat platform, so we set up the tent, cooked dinner, and relaxed for a few minutes.

Our camp for the night in front of Mt. Baker.

Previewing the route that we would climb the following morning from below, we could see lots of debris and open crevasses. The glacier was not in very good shape.

Preview of the lower portion of the glacier. The route traverses below the Heliotrope Ridge (right skyline).

We got to bed early and started climbing around 3:45 a.m., roping up immediately because of crevasse danger. Laura and I made good time hiking up and over and around some of the beautiful rock and ice falls that are present on the route.

Justin adjusting his crampon at first light with Mt. Baker in the background.

After climbing up a steep section at the toe of the Coleman Glacier, we traversed below the Heliotrope Ridge before ascending another steep slope onto the Deming Glacier. Continuing up, we soon reached the Roman Wall and slowly made our way up the steepest, iciest section of the route.

There were many crevasses that had to be navigated through before reaching the Roman Headwall.

Justin working through the final part of the Roman Headwall.

After topping out on the headwall, it was a short walk over to the summit. It was 7:30a.m. and we were treated to fantastic views and a perfect morning on the third highest volcano in Washington.

View of Grant Peak (the highest point on Mt. Baker) from just above the headwall.

Laura on the summit of Mt. Baker.

Summit register.

We spent a few minutes hanging out on the summit and taking photos of the register before heading back down, getting our tent, and hiking back out for the day. Mount Baker was a fantastic climb with beautiful scenery. It was a great way to follow yesterday‘s adventure on Mount Shuksan.