Sherman CraterAbout Sherman Crater
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.
Nearby Attractions to Sherman Crater
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -12° - -4° | -14° | 267 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -11° - -2° | -12° | 206 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -11° - -5° | -13° | 174 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -9° - -3° | -11° | 118 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -6° - 1° | -6° | 114 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | -4° - 5° | -3° | 109 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | -1° - 8° | 1° | 74 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 1° - 11° | 4° | 78 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | -1° - 7° | 0° | 96 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -6° - 3° | -5° | 158 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -10° - -3° | -12° | 271 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -13° - -4° | -14° | 273 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
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.