Mount Baker (Waputik Mountains) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Baker |
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Distant view of Mt. Baker from the summit of Mount Weed
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,180 m (10,430 ft) |
| Prominence | 480 m (1,570 ft) |
| Listing | Mountains of Alberta Mountains of British Columbia |
| Geography | |
 Mount Baker
Location in Alberta
Mount Baker
Location in British Columbia
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| Country | Canada |
| Parent range | Waputik Mountains |
| Topo map | NTS 82N/10 |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1923 W.D. Wilcox, R. Aemmer |
Mount Baker is a high mountain in western Canada. It sits right on the Continental Divide, which separates river flows. Because of this, it rests in two different Canadian provinces: Alberta and British Columbia. This giant peak belongs to the Waputik Mountains, which form part of the famous Canadian Rockies. Rising 3,180 m (10,433 ft) into the sky, it is counted among the highest peaks in Alberta and the tallest summits in British Columbia.
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How Mount Baker Got Its Name
In 1898, an explorer named J. Norman Collie named the peak. He named it after his friend and climbing partner, George Percival Baker. Baker loved exploring mountains, gardening, and studying cool plants. Baker visited this rugged region in 1897 and wrote a small book about his adventures. Collie also wanted to name a mountain pass after his friend.
Many other adventurers explored the area alongside Collie and Baker. Their mountain team included an experienced Swiss guide named Peter Sarbach. Scientist Harold Baily Dixon also joined them for part of the trip. Members from an American hiking club called the Appalachian Mountain Club came along, too. During these wild adventures, the explorers named several nearby peaks after their group leaders. These peaks included Mount Sarbach, Mount Freshfield, Mount Dent, Mount Pilkington, and Mount Walker.
The Map Mystery
Even great mapmakers make funny mistakes! Long ago, Mount Baker was accidentally called "Stremotch Mountain" on official maps. A mapper named C.S. Thompson sent notes to the government Surveyor General. Then, the incorrect name appeared in the Canadian Alpine Journal in 1907 near the Wapta Icefield. Luckily, geographers fixed the mistake, and the peak keeps its proper name today.
Exploring the Geography and Climbing History
Climbing Mount Baker takes courage and skill. The very first climbers to reach the top were Walter Wilcox and Rudolph Aemmer in 1923. Today, geographers track its size by measuring from its taller line parent, Mount Patterson, which rises 3,197 m (10,489 ft) to the north.
Nearby Peaks in the Rockies
Mount Baker is surrounded by other rocky giants. Here are some of the peaks standing close by:
- Mount Patterson: Located directly to the north.
- Trapper Peak: Measures 2,988 m (9,803 ft) to the north-northeast.
- Mount Habel: Stands 3,087 m (10,128 ft) to the southeast.
Images for kids
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Trapper Peak (left), Baker Glacier, Mt. Baker (right) from northwest
See also
