| Mt. Baker National Recreation Area is the most isolated of the Cascade volcanoes in the USA. It rests on a foundation of non-volcanic rocks in a region that is largely non-volcanic in origin. Since the last Ice Age, the area around the mountain has been largely ice free, but the mountain itself remains heavily mantled with snow and ice. After Mount Rainier, it is the most heavily glaciated of the Cascade volcanoes, the volume of snow and ice being greater than that of all the other Cascades volcanoes (except Rainier) combined. Due to its many glaciers, local Native Americans gave Mt. Baker a name meaning "White Steep Mountain." The present-day cone sits atop a similar older volcanic cone called Black Buttes volcano which was active between 500,000 and 300,000 years ago. During the last 10,000 years there have been at least two or more lava flows, at least eight mudflows and a pyroclastic flow. Mount Baker erupted on several occasions during the 19th century, and its most prominent crater, Sherman Crater, may have formed in the 18th or early 19th century. Most hydrothermal activity at Mount Baker is concentrated within Sherman Crater. This activity, in the form of steam and flows of hot rock and gas, increased significantly in March 1975 and caused concern that an eruption might be imminent. The activity diminished somewhat by 1978. Mudflows remain the most likely hazard from the volcano. Avalanches of snow and rock debris from the rim of Sherman Crater have swept down Boulder Glacier at least six times since 1958. In order to preserve this use management of the area focuses on providing snowmobile and cross-country skiing opportunities during the winter, and non-motorized recreational uses during the summer season. The Mt. Baker National Recreation Area differs from the adjacent Mt. Baker Wilderness area by allowing the use of snowmobiles when snow levels are sufficient (greater than 2 feet at Schriebers Meadow Trailhead). During the summer months the area is used for hiking. Hikers are urged to stay on designated trails and respect trail closure signs. Backpackers must camp at designated sites established for their use. No campfires are allowed in the NRA. |
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