[TR] Coleman Pinnacle - Standard 12/30/2025

[JasonG]

Trip: Coleman Pinnacle - Standard

Trip Date: 12/30/2025

Trip Report:

 

It has been a slow start to the ski season.  A very slow start. But despite the setbacks, I've managed to have a few good days the past several weeks up in the Baker backcountry.  We're fortunate up this way in that our usual backcountry backyard emerged relatively accessible from the December Floods.  US2 and 410 are quite so lucky.  

I've not been doing anything remarkable the past few weeks in the Baker backcountry, but I do have a new camera that I have been having fun getting to know and so why not post a few photos from the classic Coleman Pinnacle tour?  This is an outing that I tend to come back to over the past 20 years or so, climbing it every 5 years or so if only for the views and the fun run down into Wells Creek.  If you haven't been out that way.....you probably won't like it.  Best to stay near town and reduce your carbon footprint.

Sunrise from the parking lot:

The classic view of Baker from Artist Point never gets old (to me):

@Trent approaching the heli line:

@Trent and Coleman Pinnacle:

Der Shukshan:

@Trent skinning up under Coleman Pinnacle:

Summit of Coleman Pinnacle:

Out to Chowder Ridge:

Descending from the summit with Baker looming ahead:

Ptarmigan in winter plumage down in Wells Creek:

Windy on der Kulhsan:

coming back up over Table on the way home:

Shuksan is one of my favorites in the North Cascades:

Sunset from the parking lot.  As Ice Cube would say, "Today was a good day".

Gear Notes:
flotation, but please, leave the snowshoes at home.

Approach Notes:
Heather Meadows to Artist Point to alpine glory