Mount. Baker and 542 have some of the biggest easy access mountains in the Cascades, now pair that with the most snowfall in the world and it becomes obvious why the place has become a place of legends. If you tell someone you are from Washington they won’t know where it is but if you say Mt. Baker they seem to know. Here is a list of some of the many trips I’ve been fortunate to experience there
The Northwest Couloir on Mount Shuksan was a line I’d attempted to ride a few previous times. I have had to back off because of firm conditions as well as feeling uncomfortable with the snowpack. But after two days riding solid lines at the Mount Baker Splitboard Festival both Ben Starkey and I had gained confidence in the snowpack. Everything had lined up and this was our chance to go for a line I had been dreaming of for years.
The Mount Baker Splitboard Festival has become the biggest Splitboard event in the world. A time and place where like minded individuals migrate to the sleepy town of Glacier in Northern Washington. When March came around it was time to head up to Mount Baker ski area and get onto the skin tracks. Attempting to find good lines on one of the busiest weekends of the year.
The Nooksack Traverse is one of those trips you can’t get wrong. With the route being one long exposed avalanche path it must be done in stable conditions. Going from the White Salmon Glacier on Mount Shuksan to Ruth Mountain it’s surrounded in stunning scenery. Out of all the traverses I’ve done in the Cascades this is with direct ascents and fun descents. Though I had planned on doing the Nooksack Traverse for years I had to wait for the right conditions.
It would have to have soft snow yet be stable as the Nooksack Cirque is a long traverse. With that in mind we would also need 2 days of good weather as most of the route is in alpine. Patience was the game for ticking this traverse off but soon enough the stars aligned. It was time to drive up to Mount Baker Ski Resort and do this tour bordering North Cascades National Park.
The Watson Traverse is a high alpine route from Mount Baker to the the Ski Resort. Starting at Glacier Creek it travels over 17 miles and 10,000 feet before ending at the Heather Meadows Parking lot. The high point of the route is Mount Baker with an ascent of the Coleman Glacier route before descending … Read more
Mount Shuksan is possibly the most photographed mountain in the North Cascades. It is easy to see why with steep glaciers dropping off the north side. With a summit elevation of 9,131 ft it is the 9th highest peak in Washington state. Being on the border of North Cascades National Park it is 11 miles … Read more
Mount Baker is the crown of the North Cascades. With a summit elevation of 10,781 feet it is the third highest peak in Washington State. What the volcano is famous for is its snowfall. Mount Baker holds the world record of over 1,140 inches in a singe season. There are 9 active glaciers within the … Read more
Our plan was to head into the North Cascades and pull off something big but the weather had other plans.
Mt. Shuksan is a mountaineers dream with each side having a uniquely separate personality. With high freezing levels and a promising forecast Dan and myself decided to head for the north side and hopefully ride something big.
The Squak Glacier is located on the southeast slopes of Mount Baker. Being connected to the Easton Glacier it is popular for summer skiing. Being a high glacier it is possible to have good skiing late into August. Starting at 6,000 feet it runs all the way to the summit of Sherman Peak 4,000 feet. There is a lot of snowmobile activity Mid winter. Once the Park Butte trailhead melts out it is primarily used by skiers and climbers. Being connected to the high point of the North Cascades it offers great views and turns.
The North Twin Sister is the northern most peak in the Twin Sister Range located just southwest of Mount Baker. With a summit elevation of 6,644 feet it is commonly seen from Highway 542. Being the first alpine peak on the Western North Cascades it sees little traffic. Being accessed from the Mosquito Lake Road you can access the Middle Fork of the Nooksack River. The final approach is via a logging road which is usually gated but offers direct access. Our interest was on the north facing slopes which is a wide open chute. With clear weather and a fresh dusting of snow finally it was time to check out the North Twin Sister.