... Summit Teams at C1 and C2...
Our second summit wave, all remaining Teams except our Western Guided Team and one other climber, moved through the Khumbu Icefall today, with some spending the night at Camp 1 before continuing to Camp 2 tomorrow and others heading directly to Camp 2 with a planned rest day tomorrow. The weather is still looking good over the next few days for a solid summit bid.
CTSS's Sherpa team is busily stocking Camp 4 with oxygen and supplies in advance of the climbing team's arrival, we're setting up for a great summit day!
Cheers,
CTSS
...Weather Window!...
Over the last few days, we've been keeping an eye on the weather forecast, it's looking good!
Our second round of summit climbers, all remaining teams except our Western Guided team and one other climber, are heading out from basecamp in a few hours (early morning, Nepal time) to start their summit rotation. Their plan is to head to C1 today and spend the night there.
Our Western Guided team hiked to the flanks of Pumori yesterday to shake out a bit after a stint at basecamp relaxing and recovering. They'll continue to prepare and be underway for their summit rotation soon.
We're looking forward to good weather and great climbing.
Cheers,
CTSS Team
...Safely Back to Camp...
A quick update adding on to the great summit news today - all of our members & staff are safely back to the South Col. They will rest there on oxygen and then descend down to Camp 2 tomorrow.
Two of our climbers, Michael Neal & Steve Stevens even dropped down to Camp 2 and will come back to Base Camp tomorrow.
Plenty to celebrate in the CTSS camp! Congratulations all.
... 100% of Wave 1 on Summit!!!...
8:45 a.m. May 12, 2021 (Kathmandu Time)
They're on top! 7 Members: 10x Staff!
We're excited to announce CTSS climbers Michael Neal, Steve Stephens, April Leonardo, Ryan Argenta, Michael Paterson, Rob Su, and their guides and Sherpa team have successfully summited Mt. Everest!
6am:
CTSS Climber: Michael Neal
CTSS Climber: Steve Stevens
Ang Tsering Sherpa, Thame
Pemba Tashi Sherpa
Pemchhiri Sherpa (Mountain Guide)
Lhakpa Rangdu (Mountain Guide)
7am:
CTSS Climber: David Morgan
Lhakpa Tsering
8:15am:
CTSS Climber: Michael Paterson
CTSS Climber: April Leonardo
CTSS Climber: Ryan Argenta
CTSS Climber: Rob Su
Pemba Gyalje Sherpa
Rinjee Sherpa
Nima Rita Sherpa
Tenji Sherpa (Mountain Guide)
Asusg Gurung (Aspirant)
Good weather and low winds made for a great summit day. All climbers are now either resting at the South Col or on their way down from the Balcony.
Massive congratulations from CTSS to our Summiters! Wishing them all a smooth descent, I know they'll be looking forward to relaxing to enjoy their success soon.
Well done!
Cheers,
CTSS Team
...South Col on the Summit Bid...
Our first wave of summit bid climbers are safely into the South Col and currently resting on oxygen as they prepare to head to the top of the world in just a few hours!
They did really well today and made good time and the weather is holding stable.
The will leave the Col around 8-9pm tonight, climb through the night with the goal of summiting at first light around 4-5am.
The 7 climbers (Michael N, Michael P, Rob S, Steve S, April L & Ryan A) are supported by 13x very strong Sherpa & Sherpa Guides.
Reports are about 70 climbers summited today which is great news as the route will be in good shape with well kicked-in steps for our team.
Good luck team!!
If you would like to see the summit bid broken into stages and what the team are experiencing, check out these videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMQKSvMGwGg&list=PLMz_kRmPTvqUjpcgqswdV2RbxOYWU38z6
... First Summit Wave at Camp 3...
The weather window is holding and our first wave of summit climbers are looking good for a May 12 summit bid!
Our IFMGA Sherpa Guided team climbers April, Ryan, David with Guide Tenji & Private IFMGA climbers and personal sherpa climbers, Michael P, Michael N, Rob, and Steve made good time to Camp 3 and are resting there tonight. Tomorrow this team of climbers will move up to Camp 4 at the South Col preparing for their summit bid starting tomorrow night. It's game time, the weather looks good, and they're ready!
Guide Big Tendi with climbers Damian and Mario F had a good climb up to Camp 3 for acclimatization and are back at Camp 2 resting. Their plan is to descend back to Basecamp tomorrow for more rest, recovery, and preparation for their summit rotation.
The rest of the crew is doing well and gaining strength at Everest Basecamp. The ping pong table is a hot commodity, as well as the coffee bar and weather reports. Winds look like they'll pick up a bit May 14-18 as the jet stream swings over the summit. We're hoping for a good weather window after the 18th, our basecamp team will be chomping at the bit!
Cheers,
CTSS Team
Mt Baker Gear Rentals
Renting gear without reservations on the first day of the program is highly discouraged. We are on a tight schedule to get to the trailhead on day 1. Please arrange to pick up any rental gear prior to the first day of the climb. Not all gear rental locations have a large stock, please arrange and reserve any rentals well in advance to ensure you can receive proper sizes and availability.
REI Seattle
222 Yale Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109
206-223-1944
rei.com
REI Carries some basic mountaineering equipment for rent. Prices and availability are subject to change. Visit the store’s website or call the store for inventory and reservations
Ascent Outdoors
5209 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 545-8810
ascentoutdoors.com
A small Seattle independent retailer with basic mountaineering rentals
Backcountry Essentials
214 W Holly St
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-543-5678
backcountryessentials.net
Locally run outdoor equipment store in Bellingham, WA with basic mountaineering rentals.
Mt Baker Classic Climb (3 Day)
$1,095 USD
- June 27 – 29, 2025
Our Mt. Baker Classic 3-Day Climb is our most popular climb in the Pacific Northwest because it packs so much experience into a short three-day window. Gear check, forest approach, skills training, and summit climb all in one package, and you won’t have to take much time off work!
We meet in the small town of Sedro-Woolley, about an hour and a half north of Seattle, at 8:00 am the morning of your first day. The guides will take the team through a brief gear check and issue group gear to be divided and carried by the team on the approach to camp. With gear ready to go, the team will caravan another hour’s drive to the Schreiber’s Meadow Trailhead at 3,360 ft (1,024 m).
Leaving the trailhead, our approach winds through lowland temperate rainforest, across several small streams, and up a well-maintained trail to the beginning of the Railroad Grade. Railroad Grade is a climber’s path following the ridge of the Easton Glacier’s historical lateral moraine. If the weather is clear the team is treated to stunning views of the Easton Glacier, Mt. Baker itself, and a beautiful panoramic of the North Cascades all around. After about four hours of hiking, we arrive at Sandy Camp at 5,900 ft (1,800 m), our home for the next few days.
The climb itself leaves Sandy Camp and rolls through some snowfields and rock formations before crossing onto the Easton Glacier at around 6,800 ft (2,075m). Our route follows the Easton Glacier up to the saddle between the true summit and Scherman Peak, then ascends the Roman Headwall for the final climb to a broad summit plateau. Finally, a 10-minute walk across the flat summit plateau brings the team to the true summit of Mt. Baker, 10,781 ft (3,286 m). The descent follows the same route back to camp.
On our final day, we plan on arriving back at the trailhead by 1:00 pm and returning to Sedro-Woolley by 3:00 pm, ideally.
This is a sample itinerary only. Your actual daily schedule may be refined and strategically planned to account for the best weather and summit windows etc.
- Day 1: Arrive in Sedro-Woolley by 8:00am. Gear Check and drive to Schrieber’s Meadow Trailhead. Complete the approach to Sandy Camp and settle in.
- Day 2: Training around Sandy Camp, brief glacier walk for practice, early bedtime in preparation for the summit climb.
- Day 3: Wake early for an alpine start. Climb the route and summit just after sunrise. Descend to camp, pack up, and hike back to the trailhead. Drive back to Sedro-Woolley.
It is advised that you book local accommodation for the night of your last day instead of traveling home when you will be tired.
Our expeditions are designed to be fully inclusive, except for some services/items of a personal nature like flights, gear, insurance. Here’s a detailed list so you know what to expect
Included in the Mt. Baker 3-Day Classic Climb
- Professional mountain guides
- All on-mountain food is covered including breakfast, dinner, and hot drinks. You may want to bring a few of your favorite snacks to supplement on summit day.
- All group gear, including mountaineering tents, cooking gear, stoves, ropes, etc.
- First-aid equipment
- Satellite phone to update the blog and available to clientele at $3/minute
Excluded from the Mt. Baker 3-Day Classic Climb
- All in-town restaurant meals
- Hotels before or after the climb
- Transportation to and from the airport
- Flight costs
- All personal climbing equipment is the responsibility of the client
- In the event of a rescue, evacuation, or early departure from the group, any rescue expenses or excess expenses above and beyond our normal trip costs including transport, hotels, evacuation, flight changes, and gear shipping are the responsibility of the client.
- Guide tips (customary, but optional)
- Costs incurred as a result of events beyond the control of CTSS above and beyond the normal expedition costs
- Required trip insurance policy (for trip cancellation, interruption, rescue & evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.)
Mt. Baker
MT BAKER | North America
Price Range:
$1,095-$1,495 USD
Elevation:
10,781ft
Duration:
3 or 5 Days
Difficulty:
Beginner
Route:
Easton Glacier Route
Share Expedition
Mount Baker (3,286m or 10,781ft) is a fantastic climbing experience for all types of climbers. Providing quick and easy access to large dynamic glaciers, it is a great introductory mountain for those interested in mountaineering but unsure how to take the plunge. It is also an excellent climb for Seven Summits preparation and for advanced climbers wishing to solidify their skills and add to their climbing resume before tackling a bigger peak or are short on time.
As the Northernmost volcano in the United States Cascade Range, it is located just 15 miles south of the Canadian border. In clear weather, expect incredible views all the way to the San Juan Islands, Olympic Range, North Cascade mountain range, and Vancouver, BC.
CTSS offers two itineraries to fit your specific needs:
Our 3-Day Summit Climb is oriented to climbers who want to summit a big mountain, are curious about mountaineering, want a quick refresher, or are simply just short on time. With just enough time to approach the climb, summit, and walk out this itinerary still gives the option of two different summit nights – allowing your guides to work around minor weather systems and increase your chance of success.
Or, our 5-Day Baker Alpine Academy is specifically developed for climbers who want a jumping-off point to the greater ranges around the world. We’ll work through the fundamentals of mountaineering step by step while undertaking a summit climb of Baker near the end of your course. Irreplaceable practicum with the chance of putting your skills into action on summit day.
Expedition Highlights:
- Learn principles of mountaineering with world-class guides
- Hone and refresh your skills before tackling a bigger objective
- See the sunrise over the North Cascades from Mount Baker
- Experience one of the largest glacier systems in the Lower 48
Ready to learn more about Mount Baker? Check out our guide tips, resources, and answers to your most pressing questions in our Mount Baker blog post!
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Mountaineering 101: Expedition Essentials on Mount Baker
Ready to level up your climbing skills? Check out our webinar with top guides Dallas Glass and Kat Schaumberg to learn about our favorite classroom—Mount Baker!
This FREE webinar is your chance to learn from our very own Mount Baker Lead Guides as they share their expertise on essential mountain climbing techniques. From mastering glacier travel to honing your camping skills in harsh environments, discover why Mount Baker is the ideal classroom for climbers aiming for bigger peaks.
Choosing the Right Option
Our Baker expeditions run throughout the Pacific Northwest summer of June through August to take advantage of the best climbing weather periods. Whether you’re looking for a group climb and introduction to mountaineering or wanting a customized private climb to expand your skill set we can arrange an expedition that fits your style and timeframe.
Choose from our 5-Day Baker Alpine Academy for an in-depth mountaineering seminar or a 3-Day Baker Summit Climb for a great climb and quick skill refresher.
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What Mount Baker expedition is the best fit for you? Take a peek into each of the expeditions we offer on Mount Baker with CTSS Guide Dallas Glass. If you want to check out the full webinar, head to our YouTube Channel.
Do I need to have any prior climbing experience?
This trip is open to all individuals in good physical condition. There are no technical climbing prerequisites to join this program.
What is a good fitness and training program for this climb?
- Climbing conditioning – pack-loaded uphill hiking, walking, and stair climbing
- Strength training – for the lower and upper body
- Cardiovascular training – including both aerobic and anaerobic workouts without pack weight
- Flexibility training
Do I need to acclimatize due to altitude?
No acclimatization is necessary for this program.
Will I need to share a tent?
Yes, tents will be shared accommodations due to limited tent space on the mountain and the weight of carrying extra tents. Please plan to share a tent with one of your fellow climbers.
How heavy will my pack be?
You will likely be carrying 40lbs – 50lbs (18kg – 24kg).
What weather should I expect?
Summer in the Pacific Northwest is generally mild to warm weather, with July and August having low precipitation totals compared to other months. However, the iconic glaciers and temperate rainforest that make Baker such a great experience have to come from somewhere. Be prepared for rainy weather with solid gear choices. Average temperatures at camp range from freezing to 80 degrees in the summer and can change quickly as weather moves through the area. Your sleeping bag and insulation layers should be adequate to keep you warm in windy weather down to 20 degrees fahrenheit.
Will I need to purchase trip insurance?
Yes. Trip delay and cancellation, rescue, repatriation, medical insurance is mandatory for this program for your own benefit. We have seen too many times people need to cancel their trip either before or during the expedition for reasons such as injury, health, family and business matters. As with all adventure travel, climbers need to be prepared for contingencies.
Didn't find an answer to your question? Don't hesitate to ask us.
Free Expert Advice
When you sign up for an expedition, you become part of the CTSS family.
This means a free consult with Mike Hamill—the author of Climbing the Seven Summits—or one of his expert team.
Personalized strategy, progression planning, expert coaching, and advice on how to get the most out of your climbing journey!
6x Reasons to Choose CTSS
Safety
Your safety and success are our priorities in that order. We make conservative decisions, plan redundancies and all our guides have wilderness medical training, safety & rescue plans & access to doctors 24/7 to help keep you safe.
Value for $
We keep our overheads low to pass savings on to you. We are proud to offer the best service for the most competitive price, without skimping on safety or taking shortcuts with logistics, staffing and infrastructure.
Holistic Approach
Our service goes far beyond the mountain. Think of us as your climbing coach, we’ll be there from start to finish to prepare, debrief and plan your progression as a mountaineer, whether your goal is a single summit or the Seven.
Guides & Team
Guides can make or break your climb. We hand pick the most qualified, tenured, tested and personable guides and Sherpa in the world. Owner and mountaineer Mike Hamill personally oversees the management of each expedition.
Our Values
We care about you, our people and the planet and we walk our talk by donating a percentage of every expedition to Tiger of the Snows fund which supports outdoor tourism workers all over the world and following strict Leave No Trace principles amongst other initiatives.
Success
We have an unparalleled summit success rate. How? We do it in a myriad of ways; like a great chef’s secret sauce, we've fine tuned the recipe over decades but most importantly, we believe in you & your ability to achieve your goals and are invested in putting you on top.
Ready to Progress?
Consider these expeditions
"An incredible experience from start to finish. I can’t say enough what a difference it makes to have a great guide who cares so much about the whole experience and a great time to make the journey so special. I hope this is the first of many climbs with CTSS for me."
- Kevin A.
Mt Baker Adventures
Testimonials
Baker Inquiry Form
Mt Baker Expedition Beta & Route
Elevation: 10,781
Duration: 3 or 5 Days
Continent: North America, Washington State, USA
Route: Easton Glacier
Difficulty: Beginner
Route Choice
We have chosen the Easton Glacier route on Mt. Baker for the best summit chances and access to training terrain. The Easton Glacier route is one of two popular routes on Mt. Baker, offering the most reliable access and terrain while providing interesting climbing through beautiful glaciers.
Every expedition originates in Sedro-Woolley, WA, where the team meets and takes care of any last-minute logistics while in reliable cell service. We head to the trailhead as a team.
We approach the Easton Glacier from Schriebers Meadow, passing through lowland temperate rainforest before ascending to higher alpine meadows on the flanks of Mt Baker. A final push brings us to Sandy Camp beside the toe of the Easton Glacier. Walking through massive Douglas Firs, Hemlocks, and beautiful meadows is a great way to start your expedition before moving into the land of snow, ice, and rock for your climb.
Climbing Mt. Baker requires solid fitness, the ability to perform well with a 40-pound pack, and the mindset to dig deep and enjoy the process of climbing a large volcano.
