Facility · Washington ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Mt. Baker North Roadless Area (Roadlessarea Rule (2001)) · Open Access
This is the longest climb of the northern approaches. Start five miles in from Artist Point Trailhead by taking Chain Lakes Trail #682 to Ptarmigan Ridge Trail #682.1. Three miles in from the Chain Lakes/Ptarmigan Ridge junction the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail reaches the base of Coleman Pinnacle. The trail continues another half mile to Camp Kiser. Beyond this point, a primitive boot path, recommended for experienced mountaineers, leads to advanced climbing routes on Mt. Baker.
The snow on this route does not melt until late in the season and the five-mile approach can be a long, difficult slog through heavy snow in steep chutes. The trek becomes less difficult but route finding becomes more so as the season progresses and the snow melts. Despite impeding snow, this route is best climbed early in the season before the glacier becomes broken up and extensively crevassed.
This route is within the Mt. Baker Wilderness.
See also:
48.84652, -121.69344 · 48°50'47.5"N 121°41'36.4"W
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 11.1 | 7.8 | 9.3 | 6.1 | 4.2 | 3.5 | 1.9 | 2.2 | 4.1 | 8.3 | 12.9 | 11.4 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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