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Baker Tours
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Baker Tours
18 public items in this list
plotted
Herman Saddle
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waypoint
Heather Meadows
Start at the upper parking lot at Heather Meadows at the Ski Area. Head south towards Bagley Lakes Basin, following the creek bed that flows out of the basin. There often are openings in the creek so stay to the east of the creek. Round the basin and head west to the drainage below Herman Saddle.
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Boulder Field
Climb a route that follows the normal summer hiking trail, staying close to the scattered trees and rocky outcroppings that are on the south face of Mt. Herman. This area is a large boulder field in summer and a stable area to climb up in the winter. Be cautious on warm sunny days - stay close to the west edge of the slope but not in the gully. Warm sloughs are common on Mt. Herman's south face.
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East Face
After about 800 ft of climbing you will be facing the large bowl that is just NE of Herman Saddle. Cross the bowl to the undulating mounds that lie just below the saddle. Use avalanche slope precautions when crossing the south facing slope on warm days or after heavy snowfall.
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Herman Saddle
From the saddle there are exquisite views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan. Enjoy lunch or a snack before continuing on or making a short day and skiing back down.
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West Face
You can go west and make a longer day of skiing by dropping down into the basin that contains 3 frozen over lakes - head for Iceberg or Hayes Lake for the best descents. On cold days, the snow can be perfect but does get sun warmed on clear afternoons.
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Iceberg Lake
The far point of the standard tour. There are several short slopes to the west to explore if you are looking for some short powder shots. Climb back up to the Saddle to return back to the Bagley Lakes Basin and the ski area.
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Table Mountain
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waypoint
Start of Tour
Begin the tour from the Mt. Baker ski area upper parking and head south toward the Bagley lakes basin. Then turn SW, traversing the lower slope of the north face of Table Mountain. In stable conditions, you may traverse right along the base of the north slope however if there has been recent snow, avoid placing yourself the avalanche zones that are scattered across the slope.
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Bagley Lakes Basin
Once you have reached the center of the basin at the elbow of the mountain, pack your skies and boot up the steep face, taking care to follow a route that will not expose you to a dangerous fall. After climbing up 1000 ft from the basin, you'll find the first bench, marking the end of the steepest climb.
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First Bench
Again, do NOT bring your dog on this tour. During the summer, dogs cannot maintain traction on this face. From the first bench, continue SW up a narrow chute to the second bench.
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Second Bench
This bench opens into a high basin, complete with an ice-blue lake, often just melted out in early July. From the second bench, it is a short climb to the saddle which is your destination.
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Table Mountain Saddle
In some years, you may climb the wall to the south to reach the southern Table Mtn. Plateau, but cornices often prevent this short extension of the climb. Descent: From the saddle, turn to the East and NE to descend following your uptrack. Remember to bear right on the descent, especially on the lower first bench. Failure to move far enough eastward out on to the north face of the mountain can be very dangerous. The natural roll of the pitches below the first bench will steer you to words the cliff bands that you passed on the way up. Descend to the right of the elbow out onto the north face of Table Mountain for the long runs to the basin. If you fail to do this, you may find yourself slipping over 50 foot cliffs or other rock bands that will ruin your day. The main run is a fabulous slope in summer - 40-45 degrees at the top with a long runout to the Bagley Lakes Basin. Enjoy.
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Bagley Lakes Runout
Once at the basin, boot back up again to the top of the last long run and repeat as desired. These 40 degree runs often have great corn snow in the early summer and are worth repeating. Ski down to the Bagley Lakes basin and traverse east toward the ski area and the north to the parking lot. Look back at the steep slopes of Table Mountain's north face and smile at the turns you made.
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Ptarmigan Ridge
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Heliotrope Ridge
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Herman’s Saddle Skin Track
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Baker Pow Pow
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