Overview
Ruth Mountain is a low profile pyramid shaped peak that offers a smooth climb in a tranquil setting. It is located in the North Cascades just east of Mount Baker. It is technically simple, although an axe and crampons are recommended. Ruth Mountain can easily be accomplished in a day. The round trip from the trailhead is about twelve miles and ascends 4000’. The mild northern slopes off of Ruth propose an excellent option for a ski descent in the late Winter or Spring.
A bonus to this moral building climb is the unique view of Mt. Shuksan. Shuksan is most recognizable and photographed from the northwest around the Baker ski area, but the angle from Ruth displays Nooksack Tower and three glaciers cascading steeply into the valley below. Slides and avalanches can be witnessed by sight or sound from this massive face of ice and rock.
The approach begins at the Hennegan Pass trailhead and takes you up a North Cascade valley that on a given day you will have all to yourself. Bald Eagles have been seen hunting in this area, so keep your eyes peeled and camera handy.
Getting There
Ruth Mountain is located in the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest in the North Cascades. Take I-5 to Bellingham then head east on WA 542/Mount Baker Highway for close to an hour. Once past the town of Glacier, by about 13 miles, take a left onto the Nooksack River Road 32. This is a dirt road just before the Nooksack River Bridge. If you find yourself driving with the Nooksack River on your left, or you arrive at the Mt. Baker ski area, you’ve gone too far.
Drive up the Nooksack River Road and at about a mile and a half take the uphill branch (FR 402) to the left. Proceed for about four miles to the end where there is a large parking lot with restrooms and a campground. Here you will find the Hennegan Pass trailhead. During the Winter and early Spring months it is not uncommon for large fallen trees to block this dirt road. Be prepared to hike an extra few miles to the parking lot and trailhead during the pre-season.
Start at the Hennegan Pass trailhead (3100’) and hike up Ruth Creek Valley. If it is snow covered, the trail is on the left side. At over four miles up the valley just before Hennegan Pass (5000’), head south off the trail and up a relatively steep ridge toward the subsidiary peak (5963’). You will face a little exposure here, be prepared with your axe. Traverse on the bench to the left/east around the rock block. If it is a clear day, Ruth will be in full view by this point. From here the route is straight forward. Head up a broad ridge on snow to the top. Just before reaching the small rocky summit, you’ll cross the upper tip of the Ruth Glacier. Crevasses are not a common problem on this glacier, but can appear in the summer.
Red Tape
Permits are not required for this climb. Although this is considered a day climb, it is a remote one. Take the necessary steps to leave info on your trip with someone. Ruth Mountain and the approach up Ruth Creek Valley are very avalanche prone.
When To Climb
The best months to climb Ruth are April through October. It is possible to climb before that, which would be preferred for touring with skis, but use extreme caution in this avalanche prone area.
Camping
Camping is located at the Hannegan Pass trailhead. A few scattered sights can be found around Hannegan Pass.
Mountain Conditions
This area of the North Cascades receives a tremendous amount of snowfall each year. Due to it’s western location among the Cascades, Ruth is subject to quick and bad weather.
For a weather forecast or info go to the National Weather Service or On The Snow and refer to Mt. Baker ski area.
For snow and avalanche information check the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center or here.
For a pass report of SR 542 to Baker check here.
Use a Topo map or Greentrails map (#14) for Mt. Shuksan.
External LinksImages
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