Because the Cascade Loop flows through the Cascade Mountains and passes through a variety of landscapes, it's no surprise that climbers and mountaineers from all over the world are drawn to the Loop. 

Mt. Baker, the highest point of the North Cascades, is a glacier-covered dormant volcano located just off the byway. It's an exceptional peak for both novices and expert mountaineers in that it boasts 12 active glaciers and vast snow fields on over 20 square miles. Mt. Baker is the third highest peak in Washington State at an elevation of 10778 ft / 3285 m. It receives a crazy amount of snowfall each year, holding the world record of ~30 meters in 1998. Because of this, crevasses are hugely dangerous, dictating that anyone planning to scale the mountain be experienced and skilled at glacier travel and rescue. Avalanche danger is also high due to the mountain's notoriously unpredictable weather that often destabilizes the enormous snow accumulations, even on moderate slopes. 

The Coleman/Deming is the most popular route, the North Ridge is more difficult and the Easton route is the easiest. One can access the mountain with less than a day of hiking but unless you are an experienced, skilled mountaineer, we would highly recommend that you only consider climbing this beautiful beast of a mountain under the leadership of well-know and highly regarded guide. The good news is we happen to know a guy! Get a hold of Craig VanHoy with Northwest Mountain Guides in Sedro-Woolley and he'll get you safely up and down in no time! (We've personally climbed with the man and can vouch for him--just do NOT step on his rope! ;)