Mount Baker Itinerary

Day 0 – Gear Check and Orientation

Climbers are required to attend a mandatory gear check at 4:00 pm at the Alpine Ascents office in Seattle. During this session, guides ensure everyone is fully equipped for the climb by fitting rental gear, organizing packs, reviewing the purpose of each piece of equipment, and covering Leave No Trace principles, wilderness ethics, and an overview of the upcoming climb.

Day 1 – Schrieber’s Meadow to Sandy Camp (6,200 ft)

Meet at the Alpine Ascents office at 6:00am before driving approximately 2.5 hours to the Schrieber’s Meadow trailhead (3,400 ft) on the south side of Mount Baker. The approach follows old-growth forest and alpine meadows before emerging into open alpine terrain on the way to Sandy Camp.

After arriving at camp, climbers have time to settle in, hydrate, and rest before participating in a glacier skills session. Guides cover crampon techniques, self-arrest with an ice axe, and rope team travel before serving a hot dinner with views of the Easton Glacier and Puget Sound.

• Altitudes: Schrieber’s Meadow (3,400 ft); Sandy Camp (6,200 ft)
• Elevation Gain: 2,800 ft ↑
• Mileage: 4.5 miles
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Day 2 – Sandy Camp to Summit (10,781 ft) to Sandy Camp

Summit day begins before dawn with breakfast and an ascent to the Easton Moraine before stepping onto the Easton Glacier. The route continues to Sherman Crater for an extended break before climbing the Roman Wall and making the final push to the summit of Mount Baker.

On clear days, the summit offers sweeping views across the North Cascades. After descending to camp, climbers enjoy a hot dinner and a relaxing evening. Scheduling the summit on Day 2 provides a more enjoyable pace, a higher summit success rate, and the flexibility to use Day 3 as a weather contingency if necessary.

• Altitudes: Sandy Camp (6,200 ft) / Summit (10,781 ft)
• Elevation Change: 4,581 ft ↑ / 4,581 ft ↓
• Mileage: 3 miles up / 3 miles down
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours up / 3–4 hours down

Day 3 – Sandy Camp to Schrieber’s Meadow

After breakfast, the team breaks camp and descends to Schrieber’s Meadow. If the summit was completed on Day 2, the morning may include optional guide-led discussions on topics such as glaciology, mountain weather, and snow anchor systems before beginning the hike out.

Day 3 also serves as a weather contingency, maximizing the opportunity for a safe and successful summit while providing flexibility throughout the expedition. The team typically returns to Seattle by early evening, stopping for a celebratory meal along the way.

• Altitudes: Sandy Camp (6,200 ft); Schrieber’s Meadow (3,400 ft)
• Elevation Loss: 2,800 ft ↓
• Mileage: 4.5 miles
• Hiking Time: 2–3 hours