Coleman-Upper Deming Route Profile
An aerial view of the Coleman-Upper Deming route is an invaluable asset when planning a trip to Mount Baker. This particular photograph supplied courtesy of Cascade Alpine Guides, 1992.

View of Mount Baker
Visible from almost any vantage point in the Lower Mainland, Mount Baker has long been a destination for avid mountaineers. A relative abundance of no technical difficulty (ntd) routes makes Mount Baker a suitable destination for all levels of climbers.

Kulshan Creek Falls
The approach route via the Mount Baker Trail crosses both Grouse and Kulshan Creeks. Grouse Creek flows may be high during spring melt and may require searching for a suitable crossing point.

Hog's Back Moraine
Once above the treeline, spectacular views of Baker open up before you. The Hog's Back, a remnant of the once larger Coleman Glacier, is one of the many obstacles between summit seekers and Grant Peak, the official summit.

Camp 1
Late starters or climbers more concerned with scenery than speed, may find the Hog's Back a suitable camping spot. Although still a great distance from the summit, the Hog's Back provide excellent views of Glacier Creek Valley below and allows you to plan your attack of the summit

Camp 2, beneath the Black Buttes
Smaller, potentially quicker parties prefer to camp at about 9,000 ft in one of two bowls beneath the Black Buttes. Now officially on the Coleman Glacier, care must be taken to avoid both crevasses and potential avalanche tracks when choosing a campsite.

View of Mount Baker summit from Camp 2
From Camp 2 beneath the Black Buttes, it is quite possible to see much of the Coleman - Upper Deming route. Be forewarned... distances can be decieving in a
snowy landscape. The route follows much of the ridge on the right.

West Coast Climate
One of the many dangers of climbing in the northern Cascades is sudden changes in weather. Here, a virtually cloudless day turned bitter in a matter of hours and pinned us in our tent for nearly two days.

Crevasse!
The most heavily crevassed summit in the Cascade mountains, Mount Baker's glaciers require a working knowledge of both glacier travel and crevasse rescue techniques.

Above Camp 2 on Summit Route
Although not that high in altitude, the fact that Mount Baker rises well above its surroundings gives one the feeling of being on top of the world. Though often busy on long weekends, there are numerous routes on Mount Baker that can often seem desolate

Roman Wall
The most technical section of the Coleman-Upper Deming route is undoubtedly the Roman Wall. The relatively steep 30-40 degree slope is known for both avalanches and icy conditions, often requiring the use of ice screws for protection.

Summit!
After conquering the Roman Wall,
a relatively flat, kilometer hike
brings you to the true summit,
Grant Peak. On a clear day
climbers can enjoy spectacular
views of the entire Cascade Range,
the Coast Mountains and even
much of the Lower Mainland.

Be sure to read other articles by Action Shop in the BC Adventure Network

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