Just looking at the summit of the mountain, with all the overhanging ice gives me chills! Thank you for the intelligent dialog and keeping your clothes on. :) In so many UA-cam Videos that is not the case.
You two are incredibly awesome attempting to do this hike unprepared. You got pretty far up the mountain w/o any gear which is amazing. This video reminds me of the hike I just did last week up to Camp Muir on Mt. Rainier last Saturday. I had made it to the base camp of the mountain which is 10,188 feet with only my hiking shoes and a set of trekking poles. I had noticed most people were wearing crampons going up & down the mountain. I was determined to make up though so I never gave up.
I was just in WA end of Apr til 8th of may! Costa Rican here. I went to do some biz thangs and stayed 2 more weeks for hiking and exploring. Everything was suuper snooowedd...got to Hidden Lake Lookout sign after like 2 miles of snow, same for cascade pass, reached the parking lot and people were skiing down the road to the first closed gate. ; (((((((((( stilll soooo prettyyy... Did Green Mountain went up the mountain quite a bit with normal shoes, a pure snowy climb, those views! So much to see there, practically infinite. WIll return End of July next time. Keep the trips coming and have fun everyone in the ineffably gorgeous outdoors! P.D. Some days after we came back the puma incident happened...I was there with a friend completely alone with no weapons no nothing...Crazy, that could have happened to anyone. Do you guys take possible wildfile attacks there into consideration everytime u go out? x0x0
Yeah, you definitely had your timing more into the snow season. Around here things don't start melting out until end of July. As far as cougars and bears, we know they are out there and do what we can to minimize our interactions with them. But as far as protection, the only thing you would really need to carry is a can of bear spray. The cougar attack was extremely rare and quite surprising to me. I always see their tracks and their scat and know they are always around. They just choose not to be seen by humans. So to answer your question, I don't think too much about it as it's just extremely rare.
Seems like the two brave guys had they reward at the end of the video, isn't it? I think it's an unnecessary risk anyway. But there a necessary risk? Well, I don't know. The one thing I know is I'm always learning with you guys. Learning to step back, learning to be humble when dealing with such a huge force like nature, even if it hypnotises you, or if when it stands in your way towards the glory. This must be a hard choice to do. The solid water still fascinating me, and I thank you for bringing it here again. See you ate the next trailhead!
Thanks Fer. As to the two people risking the ridge. I do not know if the view was any better from there. The problem with mountains is you think it might be better, but then you get there and it's not better, just more of the same. :)
Another great video! U folks have a "real" feel to your vlogging & I love it. I do have a question about this trail. Do you need a high clearance vehicle or 4WD? Thank you.
It was probably a good idea to turn around when you knew you didn't have the right gear. You might have made it safe, but you never know what could happen. Beautiful hike!
Another awesome and informative video! I've been thinking of doing Heliotrope Ridge for very long time. The Kulshan Creek crossing description and trip reports in WTA make it seems it is a very treacherous crossing. Your video showed that it is not as scary as I imagined. I think, it is best to do this hike in autumn for the fall colors. I'm guessing the ridge that Jen pointed out is the Railroad Grade near Park Butte, another awesome hike! There are so many awesome hikes in the Mount Baker area, and poor Heliotrope has to compete against them. Ptarmigan Ridge in the Artist Point area is my favorite. Thank you very much for the videos, they are very helpful and informative!
Thanks George! As far as the creek crossing, we have definitely been on a lot worse. But maybe it is more difficult once the snow melts out? It's hard to tell. But the best thing about the crossing was how sticky the rocks were. I think this is because they get cleaned off with snow each season so moss and slime don't have a chance to accumulate on them.
Road was mostly paved with bits of gravel. Pot holes in the paved road weren't too bad. There was a touch of snow on the road 200ft from the trailhead. So if you had a 2wd vehicle, you just parked before the snow and walked up.
You're welcome! If you were into seeing dormant volcanoes and glaciers, then yes, you should go. But I think there are so many more rewarding mountains and lakes in the surrounding area.
Good decision on the turnaround. Safety is first. At 18:51 I said “and stuff” right when Nick said it after the pause haha. Thanks for another great video. I did the Rattlesnake Ledge during Memorial Day weekend. Busy trail for sure. Can’t wait for the next hike!
Nice alternative! Me and a couple of friends were in the North Cascades as well for Memorial weekend. We kayak camped Diablo Lake Fri, and actually attempted to backpack Thornton Lakes on Sat. We were probably within a mile before we turned back @ 8pm, due to running out of daylight. There was still a lot of snow on the ground and we weren't able to find the trail to get up and over the ridge to the lake.. Also, if you plan on going, there is some steep loose gravel on the forest road to the trailhead, that we weren't able to get up in my friend's front wheel drive Scion. We had to park about 2 miles from the trailhead. So 4WD/AWD is highly recommended.
Enjoy your videos! I live up in this area, I would suggest Anderson and Watson Lakes in the Baker lake area, Twin Lakes/ Yellow Aster Butte is great as well but busy. If you want cardio then do High Divide via Welcome Pass.
My hiking shoes are the North Face Ultra 110 GTX trail-running shoes. And my approach shoes are the Salewa Mountain Trainer GTX. While both have Goretex, there is no such thing as a dry foot in more extreme conditions. :)
Just found you guys while I was searching for hikes and glacier hikes in the area. I live on Whidbey so Baker isn’t too far. You guys did a great job of describing the hike and that it isn’t too bad. We will be getting back into hiking and don’t want to over do it as we get back into it. This is definitely on our list for the near future, next couple weeks. What selfie stick were you using or do you recommend a different one? Thanks again and I’m your newest follower 😀
Nice video! About going back: the views from the glacier view point are pretty nice. It's worth going back for that when the ice is more exposed. We did this hike last year in June with a little more snow cover it looks like and traversed over to the viewpoint after climbing up to the same ridge where you guys were. Some photos and a track here: www.flickr.com/photos/bravenboer/sets/72157684701583906/
Get more behind the scenes action on our Instagram page. instagram.com/outside.and.stuff/
Love the selfie shots of you and Jen walking and talking. So natural!
Great video as always.
Thank you Kevin. :)
Just looking at the summit of the mountain, with all the overhanging ice gives me chills! Thank you for the intelligent dialog and keeping your clothes on. :) In so many UA-cam Videos that is not the case.
That looked like a pretty good gain towards the top! Great video (and humor)
You two are incredibly awesome attempting to do this hike unprepared. You got pretty far up the mountain w/o any gear which is amazing. This video reminds me of the hike I just did last week up to Camp Muir on Mt. Rainier last Saturday. I had made it to the base camp of the mountain which is 10,188 feet with only my hiking shoes and a set of trekking poles. I had noticed most people were wearing crampons going up & down the mountain. I was determined to make up though so I never gave up.
Very awesome hike guys ! Thanks for another taking us along :)
Ernie
You're very welcome, Ernie.
Nick, I liked your camera-in-the-post-hole technique. Pretty slick. Thanks for the great panoramic views.
Thanks John, every now and then I have a creative idea. :)
Great vid and good call on stopping. There are a lot of crevasses on that route.
I was just in WA end of Apr til 8th of may! Costa Rican here.
I went to do some biz thangs and stayed 2 more weeks for hiking and exploring.
Everything was suuper snooowedd...got to Hidden Lake Lookout sign after like 2 miles of snow, same for cascade pass, reached the parking lot and people were skiing down the road to the first closed gate. ; (((((((((( stilll soooo prettyyy...
Did Green Mountain went up the mountain quite a bit with normal shoes, a pure snowy climb, those views! So much to see there, practically infinite.
WIll return End of July next time.
Keep the trips coming and have fun everyone in the ineffably gorgeous outdoors!
P.D. Some days after we came back the puma incident happened...I was there with a friend completely alone with no weapons no nothing...Crazy, that could have happened to anyone. Do you guys take possible wildfile attacks there into consideration everytime u go out?
x0x0
Yeah, you definitely had your timing more into the snow season. Around here things don't start melting out until end of July. As far as cougars and bears, we know they are out there and do what we can to minimize our interactions with them. But as far as protection, the only thing you would really need to carry is a can of bear spray. The cougar attack was extremely rare and quite surprising to me. I always see their tracks and their scat and know they are always around. They just choose not to be seen by humans. So to answer your question, I don't think too much about it as it's just extremely rare.
This comment sums up one I had about carrying a Concealed on trail. Mountaineering and protection go hand and hand
Seems like the two brave guys had they reward at the end of the video, isn't it? I think it's an unnecessary risk anyway. But there a necessary risk? Well, I don't know. The one thing I know is I'm always learning with you guys. Learning to step back, learning to be humble when dealing with such a huge force like nature, even if it hypnotises you, or if when it stands in your way towards the glory. This must be a hard choice to do.
The solid water still fascinating me, and I thank you for bringing it here again.
See you ate the next trailhead!
Thanks Fer. As to the two people risking the ridge. I do not know if the view was any better from there. The problem with mountains is you think it might be better, but then you get there and it's not better, just more of the same. :)
Your videos never disappoint! Was up at Yellow Aster Butte but missed Heliotrope so this was exciting to watch!
Another great video! U folks have a "real" feel to your vlogging & I love it. I do have a question about this trail. Do you need a high clearance vehicle or 4WD? Thank you.
It was probably a good idea to turn around when you knew you didn't have the right gear. You might have made it safe, but you never know what could happen. Beautiful hike!
Another awesome and informative video! I've been thinking of doing Heliotrope Ridge for very long time. The Kulshan Creek crossing description and trip reports in WTA make it seems it is a very treacherous crossing. Your video showed that it is not as scary as I imagined. I think, it is best to do this hike in autumn for the fall colors. I'm guessing the ridge that Jen pointed out is the Railroad Grade near Park Butte, another awesome hike! There are so many awesome hikes in the Mount Baker area, and poor Heliotrope has to compete against them. Ptarmigan Ridge in the Artist Point area is my favorite. Thank you very much for the videos, they are very helpful and informative!
Thanks George! As far as the creek crossing, we have definitely been on a lot worse. But maybe it is more difficult once the snow melts out? It's hard to tell. But the best thing about the crossing was how sticky the rocks were. I think this is because they get cleaned off with snow each season so moss and slime don't have a chance to accumulate on them.
Excellent video! Thanks for posting. How was the road getting to the trailhead?
Road was mostly paved with bits of gravel. Pot holes in the paved road weren't too bad. There was a touch of snow on the road 200ft from the trailhead. So if you had a 2wd vehicle, you just parked before the snow and walked up.
Outside & Stuff Thanks! Been waiting for it to clear up a bit before I try it.
with very limited time this summer I think I will pass on this one thanks for posting it was one of the hikes i was considering
You're welcome! If you were into seeing dormant volcanoes and glaciers, then yes, you should go. But I think there are so many more rewarding mountains and lakes in the surrounding area.
Good decision on the turnaround. Safety is first. At 18:51 I said “and stuff” right when Nick said it after the pause haha. Thanks for another great video. I did the Rattlesnake Ledge during Memorial Day weekend. Busy trail for sure. Can’t wait for the next hike!
Nice alternative! Me and a couple of friends were in the North Cascades as well for Memorial weekend. We kayak camped Diablo Lake Fri, and actually attempted to backpack Thornton Lakes on Sat. We were probably within a mile before we turned back @ 8pm, due to running out of daylight. There was still a lot of snow on the ground and we weren't able to find the trail to get up and over the ridge to the lake..
Also, if you plan on going, there is some steep loose gravel on the forest road to the trailhead, that we weren't able to get up in my friend's front wheel drive Scion. We had to park about 2 miles from the trailhead. So 4WD/AWD is highly recommended.
Thanks for the report. We haven't been to Diablo lake yet, but it's definitely on our list. :)
Enjoy your videos! I live up in this area, I would suggest Anderson and Watson Lakes in the Baker lake area, Twin Lakes/ Yellow Aster Butte is great as well but busy. If you want cardio then do High Divide via Welcome Pass.
What shoes do you recommend? i want a quality waterproof hiking shoe
My hiking shoes are the North Face Ultra 110 GTX trail-running shoes. And my approach shoes are the Salewa Mountain Trainer GTX. While both have Goretex, there is no such thing as a dry foot in more extreme conditions. :)
Could you put a link in the comments on where to purchase the harness you used for your camera.
Here you go. bit.ly/capture-clip
Just found you guys while I was searching for hikes and glacier hikes in the area. I live on Whidbey so Baker isn’t too far. You guys did a great job of describing the hike and that it isn’t too bad. We will be getting back into hiking and don’t want to over do it as we get back into it. This is definitely on our list for the near future, next couple weeks.
What selfie stick were you using or do you recommend a different one?
Thanks again and I’m your newest follower 😀
You missed the train...they stopped the vids nearly a year ago.
much appreciated as always; take care.
Thanks for great video 👍
Skyline divide is my favorite
Good choice on the turn around. Just because others are doing stupid stuff does not mean you have to!
Words of wisdom. :)
Nice video! About going back: the views from the glacier view point are pretty nice. It's worth going back for that when the ice is more exposed. We did
this hike last year in June with a little more snow cover it looks like and traversed over to the viewpoint after climbing up to the same ridge where you guys were. Some photos and a track here: www.flickr.com/photos/bravenboer/sets/72157684701583906/
Yes yes the "stream" cross
Yaaasssss! So excited 😀
Keep making mt baker ski vids
Nah im pooping in the forest and using leaves. Its natural. 😅