Mt. Baker, Easton Glacier

Activity Notes

*Note - Crevasse rescue skills are required on this climb.

The Easton Glacier is moderately sloped, with one steep section on the Roman Wall just below the summit plateau, and gaining nearly 5,000 feet from camp to summit. Views of Glacier Peak, North Cascades, and north Puget Sound beckon.

Begin in the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area  in Schreiber’s Meadow along Park Butte Trail, which is heavily used by climbers, backpackers, day hikers and stock riders. For the Easton Route, however, parties should stay left and continue on the Park Butte trail (3,300 ft)to the next junction with Railroad Grade Trail. Take the right fork and follow Railroad Grade trail to its end. From here, continue up through snowfields and rocky slopes to where the approach route meets the Easton Glacier. The hike in is about five miles to the foot of the Easton Glacier where we will set up camp between 5,600 feet and 6,000 feet. The remainder of the evening will be spent covering concepts of alpine camping techniques, Leave No Trace principles, glacier travel, glaciology, mountain weather, geology.

The climbing route ascends the Easton Glacier, passing the crater to the summit at Grant’s Peak. This route is fairly moderate and glacial travel experience is necessary.

The Easton Glacier Route is in the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area and the Mt. Baker Wilderness. This route is the second most popular on the mountain and can be very crowded at times.

July 26th (Friday) - Those able to head up North after work evening. Drive from Portland to Park Butte Trailhead is ~ 5 1/2 hours ~ 290 miles each way (given no traffic via Seattle I-5). Seattle to Park Butte TH is about 2 hr 23 mins ~ 117 miles each way.

July 27th (Saturday) - Meet at Park Butte Trailhead at roughly 3,300 feet (9 am). Packs up and ready to go at 9.30 am. Hike up to camp at between 5,500 ft and 6,000 ft. Review of crevasse rescue, glaciology, weather and LNT guidelines. Early night.

July 28th (Sunday)- Alpine start - Midnight to 3 am. Summit attempt. Descent. Back to camp. Possible break camp and descent back to Park Butte Trailhead, all dependent on our ascent and descent speed - Possible drive back to Portland. (Total elevation gain from Camp to Summit is ~ 5,000 ft).

July 29th (Monday) - Possible weather window. (Back-up Summit attempt).  Break camp. Descent back to Park Butte Trailhead - Drive back to Portland.