Mt. Baker Bench Mark

Mt. Baker Bench Mark

The highest point in the Northern Cascades with an elevation of 10,778 feet, Mount Baker is Washington State's third highest peak.

Supporting twelve glaciers that cover more than twenty square miles, its steep slopes contain more snow and ice than most of the other Cascade volcanoes combined. Year after year, Mount Baker draws a steady stream of ambitious climbers interested in a challenging ascent. Confronted with frequent Pacific storms, driving snow, and dangerous crevasses, many who initiate the climb quickly descend in frustration, retreating to more hospitable terrain. Only those climbers who possess the highest levels of discipline and courage are left to negotiate the mountain's higher elevations.

This detailed USGS bench mark replica is dedicated to the perseverance and dedication of those climbers who have completed the punishing ascent up Mount Baker's slopes. The obverse represents a stunning re-creation of the Official USGS bench mark that appears on Mount Baker's towering summit. The reverse contains a space for engraving.

Minted in solid bronze in the style of actual USGS bench marks (not the lesser-quality, simulated bench marks others make from lead and tin), this three-inch medallion comes in its own drawstring velour pouch accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.