Baker area less exposed tours?

I posted on here a while back and got some good advice for tours on the eastside of the mountians. Now we're looking for some relatively safe tours near Baker. We're a group with varying skiing experience, but all experienced climbers and winter campers, and have full avy gear. Herman Saddle and beyond seem like the obvious choice if the conditions are right. I've been up to swift creek a couple of time, but I'd like to get a bit further afield (a few less people) even if it means spending more time skinning in.

Any thoughts on Excelsior Ridge (coming up from the highway?)

Anything up Hwy 20 near Diablo?

I've also been meaning to check out Heather Ridge up on Hwy 2.

Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.

Ruth Mt. up the Hannagan Pass road from the Mt. Baker HWY. Multiple opportunities at Stevens Pass including Heather Ridge, there's a whole book on all the tours at Snoqualmie Pass tours.

Mt. Pilchuck, believe it or not, is awesome! Just out of Granite Falls.

I believe Excelsior pass slid New Years day and killed 2 snowmobilers......unless the area cited in the article below is a completely different one www.ktvb.com/news/regional/stories/ktvbn...alanche.1f09000.html

Ruth Mt. up the Hannagan Pass road from the Mt. Baker HWY. 

no offense Jayme, but thats a really poor recommendation when someone is looking for 'less exposed tours'

touring up the Ruth Creek Valley towards Hannegan Pass sends one past many avalanche paths with starting zones thousands of vf above. 


5.6- a good multi-day destination off Hwy-2 that provides easy access to a variety of aspects and gladed terrain is around Union and Jove Peaks...start from Smithbrook Rd....I think that tour is covered in the Burgdorfer ski guide book. The descent off the north side of Jove can be particularly nice.

You all are on it... thanks for the quick replies.

As to the excelsior ridge route, I'm looking at coming up from the south side, which is mostly in the trees and under 25*. It was the north side that slid. There definitely is some dangerous terrain up there, but from looking at the map, you could stay under 25-30* the whole time, and stay on the windward side.

I think I'll put Ruth Mt on my spring list, and will check out some of the trips on stevens and pilchuck.

Thanks again.