Climbing Mt. Baker, Washington
Guided Mt. Baker Climbs with American Alpine Institute
At 10,780 feet, Mt. Baker towers over northwest Washington and southern British Columbia. This active, though dormant, volcano is a magnificent climbing objective, with gentle glacier routes, steep alpine ice climbs, and challenging, friable rock ribs and sub-summits. The dramatic, open crater allows climbers a view of fumaroles, thermal springs, and a main vent that emits sounds akin to those of a jet engine. Listed below is a selection of AAI programs that feature a Mt. Baker summit climb, including 3-day weekend trips, 6- and 12-day instructional courses, ski or snowboard ascents, and special programs for youth.
Climbing Mt. Baker, Washington
Guided Mt. Baker Climbs with American Alpine Institute
On Mount Baker's Coleman Glacier at sunrise. AAI CollectionThis program is for novice climbers who have limited time but would like to experience the thrill of climbing immense glaciers to the summit of one the alpine giants of North America. Mt. Baker's 10,781-foot summit is the highest point in northern Washington and offers commanding views of Vancouver, the San Juans, and the North Cascades.
- Location:Mount Baker, Washington
- Season:May - September
- Length:3 or 4 days
- Cost:$995 (3 day option) $1295(4 day option)
A mock victim waits in a crevasse on Mt. Baker as students build a Z-pulley system to perform the rescue. Dylan TaylorThis course provides a general introduction to the sport of mountain climbing, including one day of rock climbing and five days on Mt. Baker for a thorough introduction to glacier travel, crevasse rescue, self-arrest, and movement on snow and ice. The course culminates with a climb of Mt. Baker.
- Location:Mt. Baker, Washington
- Season:May - September
- Length:6 days
- Cost:$1625
Climbers nearing the summit of Sahale Peak, with Sharkfin Tower and Boston Peak in the background. Gerry ChikeAAI's four-part mountain leadership program has been called "the country's most respected and thorough rock and mountaineering course," by Men's Journal. Part one (12 days) introduces glacier skills and alpine rock climbing at a moderate difficulty level. After training on the Easton Glacier, we normally summit Mount Baker, make ascents in the Washington Pass area, and conclude with a student-led ascent of a major North Cascades summit.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:May - September
- Length:12 days
- Cost:$3280
High on the North Ridge of Mt. Baker. Alasdair TurnerThe first course offered by AAI in 1975, this intensive program provides thorough instruction in all the skills required on difficult alpine ice climbs. Through this curriculum, you will develop a complete repertoire of state-of-the-art high-angle snow and ice climbing skills and learn to apply them efficiently in all conditions. All of this instruction is located in America's top glacier training area, the Coleman Glacier of Mt. Baker.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:May - September
- Length:6 Days
- Cost:$1845
A snowboarder enjoys white smoke powder. Liz DaleyThis is a skills- and objectives-based course in which we will climb Mt. Baker and have the thrill of skiing or splitboarding down. For people who have intermediate to advanced touring experience and moderate to advanced riding skills, a ride down Mt. Baker will be a ride you'll never forget!
- Location:Mount Baker, Washington
- Season:May - July
- Length:3 days
- Cost:$1075
Beginning the climb and six days of training on Mt. Baker, one of the most heavily glaciated peaks in the lower 48 states. Gerry ChikeAAI’s flagship youth leadership program focuses on situational judgment and decision-making in a mountain setting while providing a base of general outdoor know-how and mountain sense. Participants learn rock-climbing skills, glacier travel techniques, crevasse rescue, navigation and other skills necessary for an attempt on 10,781-foot Mt. Baker as well as on other peaks.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:July - August
- Length:6, 12, or 17 Days
- Cost:6-Day: $1995, 12-Day: $4200, 17-Day: $5395 - All Inclusive Pricing
A party of climbers nearing the top of Mt. Shuksan's spectacular summit pyramid, North Cascades, Washington. AAI CollectionThe glacier and rock ascents in the North Cascades offer beginners and experts alike the opportunity to experience some of the best alpine climbing in America.
- Location:Northern Cascade Range, Washington
- Season:May - September
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Price varies. See details.
Setting up camp on a Mt. Baker Women's Climb. Erin Hardy- Mt. Baker Women's Climb, Camp2
- Mt. Baker Women's Climb, Camp
- Eldorado Canyon, Icarus
- Mt. Baker Women's Climb, BP
- Climbers on Fandango, First Flatiron
- Glacier Travel, Patagonia
- Mt. Baker Women's Climb, River Crossing
- Mt. Baker Women's Climb, Scenic
- Rucu Pichincha Summit
- Leavenworth Climbing
- Mt. Baker Women's Climb, BP2
- Backpacking
- Mt. Baker Women's Climb, Ascending2
- Crevasse, Himalayas
- Mt. Baker Women's Climb, Cooking
- Guide Training on Mt. Baker
- Mt. Baker Women's Climb, Silly
- Skiing2
- Rock Climbing, Squamish
Women interested in climbing with other women are invited to take their rock climbing or mountaineering skills to the next level on a women-specific AAI course. Learn to lead climb or summit a snow-capped peak in a supportive, all-women environment. Our women's programs include rock climbing clinics, mountaineering courses, and custom trips.
- Location:Washington, British Columbia, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California
- Season:Year-round
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Varies
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