The North Twin Sister is the northern most peak in the Twin Sister Range located just southwest of Mount Baker. With a summit elevation of 6,644 feet it is commonly seen from Highway 542. Being the first alpine peak on the Western North Cascades it sees little traffic. Being accessed from the Mosquito Lake Road you can access the Middle Fork of the Nooksack River. The final approach is via a logging road which is usually gated but offers direct access. Our interest was on the north facing slopes which is a wide open chute. With clear weather and a fresh dusting of snow finally it was time to check out the North Twin Sister.

Starting at the Middle Fork of the Nooksack River to Access the Twin Sister Range

It was an early morning start as we drove up to the gate. Soon enough John Cocci and I hit the trail, guided by the first rays of light hitting the distant foothills of the Cascades. We hiked through the vast network of old logging roads for what seemed like eternity. Finally we made our way to the base of the alpine and had our first view of the North Twin Sister. I was stunned by how burly the peak. From our vantage point it was with steep near-vertical rock covered in rime Ice. Though there would be no riding on the northwest face we knew there was a line on the opposite side.With a long traverse we would make our way to the summit within the next few hours.

Climbing up the North Chute

Being somewhat firm conditions it generally allowed for quick skinning. We made endless switchbacks up the steep alpine rollers and before long we arrived at the base. From our vantage point we could tell that the north chute would be good. Breaking trail in the powder we had clear views of from Mount Baker to the Olympics. Below us to the west was the Puget Sound as the sun reflected on the water.

Making our way up the north chute we had a clear view to the north. We could now see the Mount Baker Backcountry all the way to Canada. Being only 20 miles from the International Border the Coastal Mountains rose in in contrast to the valleys below. Soon enough we would be on the top to the North Sister and back into the sun.

Arriving at the Summit of the North Twin Sister

The skiing conditions were going to be excellent with wind buffed powder from bottom to top. With the upper section being steep we decided to finally transition to hiking. From the moment we switched over we were hiking in knee to thigh deep powder. After 30 minutes of hard work we were back in the sun arriving at the summit at 1p.m.

We had hoped to tackle the South Sister but quickly found that there was no easy route. Everything we saw below us terminated in cliffs and subsequently was unrideable. This was the end of the line and our plan to ride both peaks fell apart. Instead of hitting both summits we would instead ride what we had climbed.

Snowboarding Down the North Twin Sister

Looking down the chute of the North Twin Sister it was steep but wide open. Though it had a roller on top we knew what was below it after climbing the route. Transitioning we were excited about riding the line. With more then enough time we would make our way towards tree line. Soon we would be getting powder turns in the afternoon sun.

From the first turn it was official that it was great snow. Normally the upper part of a face is wind scoured but this was wind loaded. Making my final turn in the sun I was soon in the shade line. After a few deep turns I waited over at the side for John to drop in.

With clean style John dropped in with controlled turns. Making his way down the steep face he laid his edges into bottomless snow. Riding down the shaded chute it was in a stark contrast compared to the blue sky above. Turn after turn he made his way towards the basin below. While we weren’t able to ride both lines we had found great turns on the North Twin Sister.

Getting Two More Laps on the Apron

Riding to the valley below we switched back to skinning and made our way back to the apron. We still head a few hours before it got dark so we wanted to make the most out of it. Before long we had rode the area 2 additional times. With the terrain being wide open we were able to make turns while not touching our old tracks.

Before long it was time to head back to the car as we traversed back to the road. With a healthy snowpack we were subsequently able to ride most the way to the valley. Once a mile away from the Middle Fork of the Nooksack River the snowpack ran out. Walking back to the car we were happy with how the day turned out. While we wanted to ride both the South and North Twin Sister we were able to get one of them in powder. The next time I would climb Mount Baker I would know what was in the Twin Sister Range.

Thank you for reading this trip report on the North Twin Sister

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