Mount Baker via Easton Glacier

I have heard Mount Baker is an excellent introduction to those just starting with glacier travel, and to climbers that want to train for Mt. Rainier. Plus it's just a fantastic climbing experience with tremendous views of the Cascade Rage.

This climb is for both the novice and developed mountaineer. I will try to make this trip a mix of more experienced and beginner hikers. That being said, some glacier travel knowledge (traveling on a rope team, glacier rescue) is required. I will ask questions about your experience when you join the waiting list. At a minimum, you should have been to several of the classes offered by SOA volunteers and have further practiced to improve your skills (or any equivalent experience of course is fine).

This will be an overnight trip, so please bring all your backpacking gear. We'll try to do the trip in 2 days. Having a detailed checklist is important for beginner mountaineers so I will try to post a detailed list of all the gear about a week before the climb. Of course, ice axe, crampons, and helmet are a must + all the glacier travel gear.

We will probably have two rope teams of 5 climbers each, or 3 rope teams of 4 climbers each -- I haven't made up my mind yet, and will see what mountaineering experience people bring to the table!

Planned itinerary:

Day 1: We'll drive from Lynnwood Transit Center/P&R to Schriebers Meadow (~ 2 hours drive). Then we will carry our heavy backpacks to our base camp which is Sandy Camp. Elevation gain will be about 2,775 feet in about 4 miles.

Day 2: Sandy Camp to Mt Baker Summit. We'll have an early start. Maybe 5 AM - or even earlier. Elevation gain here is 4,681 feet in 3 miles (fortunately with our lighter backpack here).
Then... at noon or so at the latest we will start our descent down from the summit to the Sandy Camp and then back to the parking lot.
Elevation descend ~7,500 ft in 7 miles, light then heavy backpack.

If anything is unclear, or you have suggestions/concerns about this itinerary, please contact me.

So all in all:
Elevation: ~7500
Distance: ~14 miles
in 2 days.

Required Equipment:
10 Essentials
Overnight Gear
Glacier travel equipment (harness, carabiners, etc.)
Ice Axe, Crampons, Helmet

• the usual: poles, gaiters, good waterproof mountaineering boots, clothing with no cotton, headlamp, glacier glasses, etc. ....
  I will try to make a detailed list closer to the event.

Finally, this trip is weather dependent. We're not taking any major risks, so we'll reschedule if needed.

This will be an exciting experience and I can't wait to share it with fellow SOA hikers!

Disclaimer:
S.O.A. is not a professional guide service. Our leaders function, as facilitators only to enhance your travel experience. Reports of travel conditions are on best available information, are subject to change, and are no guarantee. You may join us on these trips at your own risk. Keep in mind that travel involves risks and conditions may change quickly. You are responsible for your own safety. Signing up for any S.O.A. organized event indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to the terms of this disclaimer and hold harmless all S.O.A. Organizers and Leaders in the event of an injury or a loss.