This is a trip report for an Alpine Ascent expedition to summit of Mt. Baker /Koma Kulshan via the Easton glacier.
Day 1: Beginning at the Park Butte trailhead - which was very crowded on an early Saturday morning - the trail had a pair of river crossings, the first of which was tricky and made easier by using hiking poles, before beginning to climb up the Easton moraine. Ripe huckleberry and blueberry were present on the way to Sandy Camp. Tarn at camp temperature - 62 ˚F
Day 2: From Sandy Camp the route to the summit follows the Easton glacier, which was in good condition with a visible route up to the summit. Started at 6AM and reached the summit around noon, having met a team of scientists looking for evidence of microbial activity in the Carbon Dioxide, Hydrogen Sulfide and Sulfur Dioxide coming from the crater. Windy but mild on the summit, with temperatures well above freezing. Plenty of melt on the way down the glacier. Tarn at camp temperature - 63 ˚F
Day 3: From Sandy Camp returned to the Park Butte trailhead via the Railroad Grade. River levels had risen making crossing more difficult, with several others on the trail ending up with wet shoes.
#Hikeathon
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