shpoonman

I would agree with the sentiment of getting some skills down early season and making an attempt later in the season via the Easton or the Coleman/ Deming. The high camp is great when the rock is exposed and its not that technical of a climb. I climbed it last year around August. All the crevasses were open and some of them huge and awesome to look at. I even got an up close and comfortable look when I fell in one. This year b/c of the much larger snow pack it may not melt out as quick, but you could deffintently make a trip with some buddies. $600....You could do a lot more with $600 than have Mountain Madness walk you up Baker. But really its about your confidence in your alpine skills and level of physical fitness. The Easton will be a total slog, endurance challenge, but not very technically challenging. If you are looking to learn about moutaineering, take the WAC or something from AAI. You will spend the same amount of money but learn a whole bunch more about climbing. Then go do Baker with some buddies. I even think that the WAC makes an attempt on Baker as the graduation climb. Any way you do it, Baker is one of my favorite summits to look around from.

Sunday...Its all supposed to clear up on Sunday.

Has anyone heard of any ice in or around Mt Rainier NP? I am going Sunday to photograph the galciers on the paradise side and thought that any ice would be a bonus.