DV Does Baker 2026
155 KM · 2,169 M ELEVATION · 35 RIDERS · MOUNT BAKER, WA
This past weekend, DV headed across the border for our favourite ride of the year: Mount Baker. With 35 eager riders, a fully stocked support truck and 155 km and 2,169 m of climbing ahead of us, we were set up for an epic day.
We parked our cars on the Canadian side of the border before crossing into Sumas, where we met at Loca Mocha for coffee and a final regroup. From there, we split into three groups and rolled out through the surrounding farm fields, making our way from the flatlands into the first rolling hills.
As the groups continued south, the landscape began to change. Farms, cows, forests and open fields gave way to bigger views and bigger roads, setting the stage for the main event of the day. We made a quick stop in the town of Glacier to refuel before beginning the 35 km climb to Artist Point at Mount Baker Ski Area.
The Mount Baker Climb
The official Strava segment, 2018 Mt Baker Hill Climb, begins just outside Glacier. At 35.84 km long, the climb gains 1,356 metres at an average grade of 3.5%.
It's a long, steady effort, and one of the longest climbs in the Pacific Northwest. The gradient may not look intimidating on paper, but the sheer length makes Mount Baker a serious challenge. The reward comes as the road climbs higher, with increasingly impressive alpine and mountain views opening up around every corner.
The final kilometres toward Artist Point are the highlight. With the landscape opening up and the mountains towering around you, it can feel more like the Alps than the Pacific Northwest. After spending hours on the climb, reaching the top is a pretty special feeling.
Some riders were out hunting PRs on the climb, while others were simply there to enjoy the ride and take it all in. Whatever the goal, everyone eventually made their way into the lodge for a well-earned sandwich and some drinks before turning the bikes downhill.
The Ride Home
After the climb, the descent back toward the flats was exactly what we needed. Fulfilled and happy, the kilometres seemed to fly by as we made our way back toward the border.
Well, almost all of them. The final 10 km somehow felt like they lasted forever, but the sight of the Canadian border meant we were almost home.
Mount Baker continues to be one of the highlights of the DV calendar. This year, having a dedicated support driver and photographer along for the day added an extra DV touch, allowing everyone to focus on the riding while capturing the day along the way.
155 km. 2,169 m of climbing. 35 riders. One very good day on the bike.
Check out more photos from the ride below, and explore the full route if you're thinking about taking on Mount Baker yourself.
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