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Located in the Mt. Baker National Recreation area, the Squak Glacier route lies to the east of the Easton Glacier route on the south side of Mt. Baker. The approach starts at the Park Butte Trailhead and turn right onto the Scott Paul Trail after 0.1 miles. At about 4,600', turn north onto a climbers' trail to access the Crag View campsites, between 5,800' and 6,400'. The summit day starts with accessing the Squak Glacier to the east of the top of the Crag View campsites and continues due north to join the Easton Glacier route to the west of Sherman Peak. The Squak is heavily crevassed, so navigating around crevasses and over snowbridges is essential. The route continues to the summit plateau to the summit on the east end. Descend the climbing route.
Activity Notes
Mt. Baker is one of the snowiest mountains in the Cascades. We'll arrange carpools and leave from the leader's house at 7:00am on Thursday, July 23rd, drive up to the Park Butte Trailhead and hike into camp spots at either 6,000' or 6,8000', depending on how the team is feeling. Friday is summit day, so we'll rise early, head to the summit, and hopefully, return safely to camp afterwards. Depending on the time, we may stay Friday night or make other arrangements. If we stay, we'll pack up early on Saturday, we'll make the hike out and return to Portland.
The descent is the reverse of the approach.
| Other Information | |
|---|---|
| Driving Distance from Portland | 286 miles |
| Driving Time from Portland | 5 hours |
| Distance - Round Trip | 13 miles |
| General Route Info | A less traveled and more direct alternative to the Easton Glacier route, this scenic route starts in the forest and climbs above treeline to campsites directly below the summit with views to the east, south and west. The climb is also direct from camp to the juncture with the Easton Glacier route. The Squak has the typical hazards of glacier travel, so glacier team travel, crevasse rescue and running belay skills are necessary. |
| Expected Duration | Car to car in two or more days |
| Interesting Features | Glacier(s), Mountain Views, Spectacular Views |
| Relevant Maps | National Geographic North Cascades National Park, USGS 7.5 Minute Series Baker Pass (Approach), USGS 7.5 Minute Series Mount Baker (Climb) |
| Useful Links | GPS Track |
