Trip: Mount Baker - North Ridge
Date: 6/15/2012
Trip Report:
Climbed the North Ridge on Mount Baker car-to-car and experienced near perfect conditions today. We left the car ~2:45am (and were able to turn off the headlamps at 4am! Long summer days rock). Route finding on the lower Coleman was relatively simple due to stable snow bridges. We accessed the ridge on the right side (first couloir) and were able to easily bypass the 'schrund. After ascending to the ice step, we traversed climber's left and climbed two pitches of ice. Aside from knocking off the occasional large dinner plates, the ice was in pretty good shape. Snow conditions throughout the route were perfect (especially on the 40-45 degree snow above the ice step) and made for quick travel. Hit the summit around 12pm and after a little post-holing on the Upper Coleman we were back at the car by 3:45pm - 13hrs round trip.
Some pictures:
Excited for daybreak and sunny weather!
Starting off on the ice step
[Picture of skiers on the Coleman Headwall removed. We met the group on the summit - very nice guys. My condolences to the friends and family affected. I'm so sorry for your loss.]
Gear Notes:
We brought 2 tools each, crampons, 3 pickets, and 6 screws - this was adequate.
Approach Notes:
The road is snow-free until ~1/4 mile before the parking lot. The first bridge on the trail is washed out but there is a good log crossing downstream.