Mount Baring
Central CascadesBest Jul–Oct
A punishing climber's route to a 6,100-foot summit with massive Skykomish Valley views.
About This Trail
Mount Baring is not a trail. It is a climber's route that gains 3,500 feet over 3.5 miles through steep, loose terrain that demands hands-on scrambling, route-finding, and a tolerance for suffering. The lower section pushes through dense forest choked with blowdowns before ripping upward at punishing grades. Once on the ridge, the terrain steepens further into a gully system where an ice axe may be needed in spring and early summer.
The summit delivers massive views of the Skykomish Valley, Index, Glacier Peak, and the Monte Cristo peaks. The panorama justifies the effort, but the descent is arguably worse than the climb, with steep, loose dirt and exposure that keeps you focused every step. Multiple trip reports describe this as a "one and done" peak, and that reputation is well earned.
This route sees very little traffic. Expect blowdowns, faint tread, and sections where the path disappears entirely. Snow lingers on the upper ridge well into July. Come prepared with sturdy boots, trekking poles, and a healthy respect for the mountain's difficulty.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Snow on the upper ridge and gully through early July. Frozen dirt makes lower sections slippery in late fall and winter. Numerous blowdowns along the ridge make progress slow throughout the year.
Scorecard
Rarely more than a few cars at the trailhead. The difficulty and lack of maintained trail keeps crowds away year-round.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Extremely steep and loose terrain throughout
- Blowdowns across route require scrambling over/under
- Gully section requires scrambling and potential ice axe use in spring
- Route disappears in sections requiring navigation skills
Getting There
Shares trailhead with Barclay Lake. The climber's route diverges early and is not signed. Follow cairns and boot tracks up the ridge.
Start early to allow plenty of daylight for the descent, which takes nearly as long as the ascent.
Similar Hikes
