Mount Baker rises over northern Washington State like a mirage,
dominating the landscape like few mountains in the United States. On a
clear day, it is visible from as far away as Vancouver, British
Columbia, and Tacoma, Washington. This immense volcano is a study in
superlatives: it is the third-highest peak in the state, holds the world
record for snowfall in a season (95 feet!), and is the second-most
heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States. The mountain
also played a dominant role in the history of the region, having served
as a beacon to seafarers and a lure for men in search of gold, timber,
and adventure.