West Ridge

A long approach past Dailey Prairie to a ridge of solid sticky golden dunite. Once you've endured the slog, the route slowly turns from exposed hiking between stands of little fir trees into some sporting alpine scrambling. Options for 5th class abound. Easy route finding (just follow the ridge crest) with beautiful views and solid grippy rock! Lots of unnecessary handjams and fingerlocks can be had.

Excellent write-up on Summit Post.

Most do it in a pair of sturdy hiking boots. If descending the north slope, bring ice axe and crampons. Helmets are always a good idea.

Drive to Acme, WA. Take Mosquito Lake Rd east for awhile, cross a one-lane bridge, then turn right into a gravel pit and follow the road out the other side. This is "Middle Fork of the Nooksack River" FS Road. Stay right at all forks. Just after crossing the bridge over Clearwater Creek, stay right at the final fork and stop at the bridge. The gate was closed for us. There are some nice campsites here.

Follow the road as it switches back up the Nooksack river valley. Do not take any branches, just continue straight towards Mt. Baker. Cross a bridge over a creek, then turn right at a quarry. Cross the bridge mentioned in the description, and then through Dailey Prairie towards the now-obvious west ridge. Take the first distinct single-track trail on your left (second overgrown logging road). Follow this up a couple switchbacks until the brush thickens. There will be a large firepit on your left - ditch bikes here. Continue up the trail until it emerges on the ridge.