Sherman Crater
Crater Volcanic crater with fumarolic activity on Mount Baker
A summit crater on Mount Baker in Washington monitored for fumarolic activity; mountaineers and volcanologists visit for climbing routes and volcanic observation.
Sherman Crater is the summit crater of Mount Baker, an active stratovolcano in northern Washington State and part of the Cascade Range volcanic chain.
The crater represents the summit volcanic feature of Mount Baker and is associated with fumarolic and geothermal activity observed and studied by volcanologists. The area around the summit contains glaciers and steep, glacier-cut terrain; the crater itself is not generally accessible to casual visitors.
Sherman Crater formed through Mount Baker’s eruptive and intrusive volcanic activity and is part of the volcano’s ongoing geological evolution. Mount Baker and its summit features are monitored for changes in gas emissions, seismicity, and glacier conditions by federal geological agencies.
The crater lies on Mount Baker within the North Cascades region of northern Washington State; the nearest regional city is Bellingham to the west and the site is within the broader Mount Baker recreational and conservation area.
- Volcanic monitoring: The crater is part of the Mount Baker volcanic complex and is monitored by the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory for seismic and fumarolic activity.
How to Get to Sherman Crater #
Sherman Crater is on Mount Baker in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Access is from the Mount Baker Highway (State Route 542) and trailheads farther up the mountain; much of the high approach requires glacier travel and mountaineering skills. Consult the Mount Baker Ranger District for route conditions and permit requirements; guided mountaineering services operate from nearby towns such as Glacier and Deming.
Tips for Visiting Sherman Crater #
- This area is remote and weather-sensitive - check the U.S. Forest Service or Mount Baker Ranger District for current closures and access advisories.
- Bring navigation tools and be prepared for unmarked trails; visibility can change quickly at high elevation.
Best Time to Visit Sherman Crater #
Best visited July-September when the high-country routes are most likely to be snow-free; always check ranger updates.
Weather & Climate near Sherman Crater #
Sherman Crater's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from -12°C to 10°C. Abundant rainfall (1938 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -12°C. Heavy rain (267 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -11°C. Heavy rain (206 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -11°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).
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May
May is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
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July
July is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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October
October is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -10°C. Heavy rain (271 mm).
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December
December is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (273 mm).
