Mount Baker

Mount Baker rises to 3286 meters (10781 feet) in the Cascade Range and displays several glaciers covering its flanks. The summit zone of andesite carries snow and ice year-round, while lower sections are forested with conifers.

British explorer George Vancouver named the mountain in 1792 after Lieutenant Joseph Baker of HMS Discovery. In the following centuries, the area experienced several documented eruptions and steam releases from Sherman Crater.

The Nooksack people call this mountain Kweq' Smánit, which emphasizes its spiritual importance to their community. Visitors today often see hikers and skiers who regard the upper part of the mountain respectfully as sacred ground.

The ski areas on the mountain typically operate from November through April and offer access to groomed runs at different difficulty levels. Summer hikers should start early in the day because afternoon fog often reduces visibility.

Sherman Crater regularly releases steam, marking the second most active thermal system in the Cascade Range after Mount St. Helens. Scientists monitor this steam output continuously to track seismic activity below the surface.

Location: Whatcom County

Elevation above the sea: 3,286 m

Made from material: andesite

Part of: North Cascades

GPS coordinates: 48.77677,-121.81457

Latest update: December 15, 2025 03:46