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Mount Baker Recreation Area


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Mount Baker Recreation Area

A mutli-use area on the south flank of Mount Baker. Much of the Easton Glacier lies within this area, as does the Squak glacier. The open crevasses and seracs are great for glacier travel, crevasse rescue and ice climbing training.

getting there

From I-5 just north of Mount Vernon, go east on SR-20 (North Cascades Highway) and turn left on Baker Lake Road. Continue 12.5 mi to just past the Rocky Creek Bridge, turn left onto Forest Road 12. Go 3.5 mi to Sulfur Creek Road (Forest Road 13). Turn right and follow it 6 mi to its end at the Park Butte Trailhead (3,360 ft).

Approach

Hike the Park Butte Trail 1.9 mi to its intersection with the Scott Paul Trail.  Continue on the Park Butte Trail for 0.4 mi and then head north on the Railroad Grade to the Easton Glacier. Ascend to the open crevasses and seracs of the Easton Glacier. 

notes

  • All of this is within the Mount Baker National Recreation Area.
  • Use this route for crevasse rescue and ice climbing practice. 
  • Camp below the toe of the glacier on or around moraines.

Information for Leaders

Internal Climbing and Scrambling Lottery

  • This is a very popular area
  • Please review the 2026 Course Priority Calendar to ensure that either:
    • Your field trip is listed on the calendar on the correct date and place -OR-
    • No course has "reserved" that date and place, so there's room for your field trip.
  • If Mount Baker Rec Area is available on the calendar, review the listed trips below before listing your trip to ensure there's no conflict

Scheduling & Permits

  • This route/place is intended for scheduling course field trips and clinics. Please schedule any trips (ex: climbs, hikes, etc) on the specific route/place. Contact info@mountaineers.org  with any questions or support finding the correct route/place.
  • Field trip leaders should have an electronic copy of our permit available to present to any USFS staff.
  • Suitable Activities: Climbing
  • Seasons: May, June, July, August, September
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Basic Glacier Climb
  • Length: 3.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,640 ft
  • 7,000 ft
Map
  • USGS Baker Pass
  • USGS Mt Baker
  • Green Trails Mount Baker Wilderness Climbing No. 13SX
Activities
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Mount Baker Recreation Area: Easton Glacier
  • Mount Baker Recreation Area: Squak Glacier
Resources

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