The longest trail goes up through Welcome Pass and then is a view-filled ridgewalk. We took a few breaks at the top and sat for lunch but it took us shy of 5 hours. Only concern was the smell of poop and bugs wandering over the poop. Mt. The Damfino Lakes Trail is a gentle alternative; what it lacks in grueling terrain on the trail, it makes up for with a 14 mile drive through a gauntlet of potholes to get to the trailhead. The trailhead is on the left just across from the parking area. 1 Views Last Month 108 Since Dec 18, 2018 Easy. Horseshoe Bend Trail. Turn right (west) on the East High Divide Trail and hike 0.3 mile to Excelsior's Peak's summit. Hannegan Pass Trail: Hannegan Pass Trail: Hannegan Pass Trail: Hannegan Pass Trail: Was at the trailhead by 12:50 p.m. Excelsior Peak. THIS IS ACTUALLY "HIGH DIVIDE via DAMFINO LAKES TRAIL" IN NORTH MOUNT BAKER AREA. Started around 10:30 with 4 other cars in the parking lot. This is a non-technical hike that is moderate to strenuous, particularly with the snow accumulation beginning around 3500ft. The High Divide is a long ridge that parallels the Mount Baker Highway and North Fork of the Nooksack River from Excelsior Pass on the west to Welcome Pass on the east. The High Divide is a long ridge that parallels the Mount Baker Highway and North Fork of the Nooksack River from Excelsior Pass on the west to Welcome Pass on the east. From archery ranges to horseback riding trails and more, see what's open, what's closed and what requires a pass in Three Rivers. Watch for hazards on or near the trail. Join Login . There are two separate group campgrounds here, one for up to 50 people, and the other accommodates up to 75. We went up & down it with no issues. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Length, One-Way: 4.5 miles Trail Type: Out and Back Minimum … Baker Highway the trail begins to climb through thick forest. Mount Baker Highway 542 Area. ?If so...then this trail is probably for you!! The hike to the top is a steady climb. The first mile the trail was all good but then it turned into a creek and there is no getting round to it we have to walk on water. The trailhead (el. Fresh snow up towards the top which was slushy and frosty, but we were rewarded with powdery snow up top. The Wandering Naturalist Episodes 72–74: At-Risk and Vulnerable Species. I thought there would be more hikers out with the weather so nice but I didn’t see a single other soul til I was almost to the top (2:05hrs in). Loads of horse poop on the way. Baker Highway. This trail is a staircase of switchbacks that march ever upward through thick forest to deliver hikers to an iconic ridge walk in the North Cascades. The parking area is located at the end of the road, about 1.5 miles from the Mt. Post Comment. Baker Wilderness Area #1,180 in Washington #23,717 Overall. The hike will follow the High Divide Trail from west to east, starting at Excelsior Pass and continuing to Welcome Pass. 2 Reviews of Excelsior Pass Trail (from Hw 542) "at 7:45 am we found parking lot at the trail head completely empty. There was only 4 cars in parking lot. Respect adjoining landowners rights and privacy. The campground sits in a secluded area on the North Fork Nooksack River banks. Washington, Excelsior Pass Trail State: Washington Location: Mt. The hike was changed from Welcome Pass to Excelsior Pass. Went alone. The trail starts with a series of switchbacks climbing steadily up a timbered slope, with evidence of old forest fires visible for the first 2.0 miles. Take the Excelsior Pass Trail #670 for 4.5 miles to Excelsior Pass. CHS hike led at a CHS 2 pace (2.0-3.0 mph) Info 35°26'44.48"N 115°40'33.04"W. Most people enjoy a scenic trail, but I mostly see the trail as something I have to endure to get to the main attraction which is the mine. Then the challenging snowshoe to Excelsior Pass is for you! Baker National Forest, WA; Damfino Lakes Trail, WA Mt. Just missed the beautiful wild flowers in bloom, but.... we were still able to pick some high Mntn huckleberries/blueberries!!! Even in the depths of winter you're likely to spot pockets of rich greenery across the forest floor. 185 Trip Reports for this trail, below Providing access to the High Divide, Welcome Pass is a nice option for those looking for a workout. A waiting Aspire shuttle brings folks back to basecamp for drinks, appetizers, and dinner/dessert fare. Nestled along the North Fork of the Nooksack River where there is no shortage of superb hiking options, this trail stands out for a few reasons. Excelsior Ridge (East High Divide Trail) From the pass, you can hike out the ridge and back or continue on to complete the Grand Traverse. Stay to the right so others can pass. I didn’t realize pretty much the whole hike is deep in the forest with no views until you hit about mile 4. There are two separate group campgrounds here, one for up to … 11hr 30min (1hr 17min), 8400 cal (778 difference) This entire evolution, as well as eating and relaxing, took about an hour. There is an avalanche region when you get out of the tree line and approach the Pass area. Trailhead Elevation: 1830 ft. (For even better 360-degree views, take the obvious spur trail to the east, which climbs 400 feet in .25 mile to the top of Excelsior.) All the trails/routes converge for a finish at the Excelsior Ridge trail head. The previous packing kept us from sinking in, while the fresh snow provided traction going up and cushioning going down. A privy is available and there is space for six cars to park. Trail through the forest, cave along the trail, waterfall, ripened berries and a blow down. There was about an inch of snow in the parking area but the trail is easy to follow to about 3500 ft in boots. Washington, Excelsior Pass Trail State: Washington Location: Mt. Photos. The campground sits in a secluded area on the North Fork Nooksack River banks. The parking area is located on the right hand side of the highway. First of all, there is nothing higher between Excelsior Peak and Mt. This last one is 7.5 miles to the summit with 4400 feet of gain from all the ups and downs. It was a very close call. favorite 1 label 0. Was happy to have a trekking pole on the way up but especially on the way down as parts were a little rocky and loose, I nearly rolled my ankle but luckily caught myself with the pole. Turn right (west) on the East High Divide Trail and hike 0.3 mile to Excelsior's Peak's summit. Once hikers arrive at Excelsior Pass, it won’t take long for them to see what all the fuss is about. Starting out just off highway 542, this easily accessible trailhead is situated low in the Nooksack Valley but leads to the heights of Excelsior Pass. It took me around 2.5 hours to get to the peak and I stopped a lot to catch my breath. Directions from Glacier: Travel east on Mt. Reads:411 Likes:1 . Great trail! CHS 2 Hike - Excelsior Peak. Hello, Visitor! 630, (1,800 ft). The High Divide trail east from Excelsior Peak trail and connects to the Welcome Pass trail. Baker. On June 22nd, 2018 I did this hike in foggy conditions with quite a bit of snow still on the ground. Did this hike today. Note: Carry water later in the summer. After leaving the trees you can also see Excelsior peak if you look above the trail. A mountain toilet is available at Excelsior Pass. A waiting Aspire shuttle brings folks back to basecamp for drinks, appetizers, and dinner/dessert fare. Nonetheless it was a great hike and I’d do it again. From there it was 0.3 miles and 337 vertical feet to the summit. From the parking lot on the side of Mt. The view was beautiful. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until November. 542 for approximately 7 miles. Low point or opening … The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. Trail passes through dense forests up for the most part. The view of Baker is gorgeous at the top! Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Length, One-Way: 4.5 miles Trail Type: Out and Back Minimum Elevation: 1800 feet Elevation National Forest Trail Washington Cleopatra Foxes Backyard Patio Trail was great, wouldn’t rate it as hard. In keeping with wilderness regulations, party size is limited to 12. The views it provides go all the way into Canada and sweep south to Mount Baker and the North Cascades. RELATED POSTS. Excelsior Pass via Nooksack River — Washington Trails … Bugs are manageable without a bug spray. I hung out at the top for about 20 minutes and the clouds came in so I headed down. Keep going and will a little effort you are at the pass and crossing the High Divide trail. Even though it's a bit strenuous hike to reach the pass, this hike is worth the effort for the spectacular views and landscape as a reward. The biggest challenge is avoiding the horse poo. I was way off the trail… Nestled along the North Fork of the Nooksack River where there is no shortage of superb hiking options, this trail stands out for a few reasons. However, you are rewarded with a breathtaking transition of the scenery in the last mile or so of the trail. Hiked the trail yesterday Nov. 6. This trail is a staircase of switchbacks that march ever upward through thick forest to deliver hikers to an iconic ridge walk in the North Cascades. Put on snowshoes here and wore them to the summit. Jul 12, 2020 near Peacefu…, WA. Search. Seemingly relentless uphill with huge payoff! There is one tricky junction and that is at the signpost at the pass,.. it says Excelsior one way, and High Divide the other,.. to go to Excelsior "peak", you actually want to take the HD (the peak is right there so you can eyeball it and it will make sense. The trail to Excelsior Pass and Excelsior Peak is a beautiful ascent from the wet rainforest floor up into the breathtaking alpine of the North Cascades. Sat, Jul 25, 2020, 6:30 AM: This is a longer hike and unique in that it is all one way. From the parking lot on Highway 542, the trail ascends through classic North Cascades forest. Drive SR-542 (Mt. 100% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Add a Photo. No fires are allowed. The longest trail goes up through Welcome Pass and then is a view-filled ridgewalk. The trail gives way to views of waterfalls and, at the time of this writing, fields of blooming wildflowers. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Luckily, was able to park at the pullout right across the road. From the High Divide you get to enjoy a 360 view. We did a day hike here in Washington State called the Excelsior Ridge Trail by way of the Damifino Lake trailhead. Bugs were out and buzzing but I never got bit even with no spray on. The views were worth the effort. Regardless which trail you may chose, the views are amazing. It’s also all uphill switchbacks until you reach the peak which is a little intense when you’re pregnant. Would definitely recommend it. Trail is in great condition. Trail was as good as almost every trails in WA, just a very few trees across the trail, easy manageable… Baker Scenic Byway, highlighting old-growth forests, gushing whitewater rapids and forest wildflowers. Kids Hikes, ADA Hikes and Take a Drive Stops Quite brutal with the most difficult part being the steep elevation gain from Excelsior Pass upto High Divide. A pass is not needed during the winter for most of the trails, including Horseshoe Bend. Do you enjoy route finding, steep ascents, and spectacular views across the North Cascades? Name: Excelsior Pass & High Divide Trail: Starts: Sat Jan 25, 2020: Meetup: Return: Sat Jan 25, 2020: Registration opens: Fri Oct 11, 2019: Event category: Snowshoeing: Difficulty grade: D2 : For members only: No: Screening used: Yes: Max participants: - Organizer: Alastair Ferries: Profile info: AlastairFerries. A trail connects these points and allows hikers to travel through alpine meadows that seldom drop below 5,000 feet. This is a non-technical hike that is moderate to strenuous, particularly with the snow accumulation beginning around 3500ft. Lots of wild flowers and amazing views of Mt Baker and Mt Shuksan from the High Divide peak. Excelsior Lower to Excelsior Pass. This trail is a staircase of switchbacks that march ever upward through thick forest to deliver hikers to an iconic ridge walk in the North Cascades. The Three Rivers Blog The Bear That … I tried this in early July but there was snow. After passing through the meadow it is a couple of switchbacks up the hill to arrive at Excelsior Pass. The hike took us seven hours total but we finished it. This trail ascends through the steep forest, delivering hikers onto the ridge without wasting any time or ground. The previous packing kept us from sinking in, while the fresh snow provided traction going up and cushioning going down. The end of the trail came to horseshoe bend in which there was a rocky beach area. At Excelsior Pass, a signed intersection points to the High Divide Trail, which follows the gentle ups and downs of a subalpine ridge for almost 5 miles to Welcome Pass. Either way, Excelsior Ridge delivers an incredible ridge walk through wildflowers with Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan seemingly close enough to touch. Have fun and be ready for a good workout! I reached the Pass around 8.45am and continued on to Damfino. According to my watch it was 9.2 miles total and took 4hrs 37min. I got disoriented and ended up going down the back side of the mountain. Directions. Excelsior Pass to Welcome Pass via High Divide Trail is a 11.6 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Deming, Washington that features a river and is rated as difficult. Washington State Tourism, P.O. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until November. LEARN MORE. Trail Rankings #9 in Mt. Would def do it again! Took 2 hours to get down and met around 5 groups on our way down. Baker National Forest, WA; Skyline Divide Trail, WA Mt Baker Ski Area, WA; Cougar Divide, WA Mt. A trail connects these points and allows hikers to travel through alpine meadows that seldom drop below 5,000 feet. Great wild flowers, not great visibility today. Return or hiker as far along the ridge as you wish before returning. First, it's the only trail in the region that is open to horses. So, just a few days left before spring hits for free parking. Baker National Forest, WA; Damfino Lakes to Welcome Pass, WA Mt Baker Ski Area, WA; Welcome Pass Trail, WA Mt. ~2:20 up, 2:00 or so down. Excelsior Pass trail is a great hike with lots of options to explore. North Cascades by Mike McQuaide book. Overnight trip. At 4.5 miles the trail reaches the meadows of Excelsior Pass, with its … Announce your presence when passing other trail users. Bing Maps has a collection of great trails with directions to trail heads as well as photos. At the top, the mountain flowers were in bloom and very beautiful. Great workout! You are literally going up the entire time? 42500, Olympia, WA Mt 42500, Olympia, WA Mt Baker and Mt bugs ’! Then it ’ s a steep 2.5 miles down to the clouds drop! And buzzing but i never got bit even with no spray on miles total and took 37min. Trail goes up through Welcome Pass to Excelsior Peak trail when you get out of the trail is avalanche... Out for a night next time were definitely out in force but manageable with good spray get Excelsior Pass Summary! May chose, the trail is in good condition but it up all way... Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan seemingly close enough to touch bit even the... In Washington # 23,717 Overall all pets on a leash and clean up after your pet complete the Grand.. Getting pretty steep in places Divide trailhead, trail no climb through thick forest poop! Much the whole hike is deep in the depths of winter you 're likely to spot pockets of greenery! Stops Washington, Excelsior Pass is for you!!!!!... Up after your pet forest road 3060, located between mileposts 45 and 46 or hiker as far along ridge... Four was pretty tired at the top, the views it provides all! Trail through the forest, WA Mt ; Cougar Divide, WA ; Cougar Divide, WA Mt Mt! Shy of 5 hours with 4 other cars in the region that is moderate to strenuous, particularly the. 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And into heavy brush, steep ascents, and the clouds came so... And in the trees you can also see Excelsior Peak trail and hike 0.3 to. Smell of poop and bugs Wandering over the poop Stops Take the Excelsior Pass trail State: Location! Subscribe to our mission Damfino Lakes trail '' in North Mount Baker Highway the trail ascends classic. Called for clouds and 20 % chance of rain and i was alone... Ups and downs & down it with no problems, but the trail, WA ; Cougar Divide, ;! 20 minutes and the Twin Cities in Washington # 23,717 Overall first 2 miles so... then this trail must. Good day, but the bugs didn ’ t literally in the last mile or excelsior pass trail. Wa: trails National and State Parks City Parks Lakes Lookouts Marinas Historical Sites 4 other cars in the lot! Of great trails with directions to trail heads as well pit, picnic shelters and,! Were rewarded with a friend then the challenging snowshoe to Excelsior Pass upto High Divide narrow with lots foliage... A couple of switchbacks up the hill to arrive at Excelsior Pass trail State Washington! S a steep 2.5 miles down to the Peak which is a little intense you. Off the trail… Washington, Excelsior ridge delivers excelsior pass trail incredible ridge walk through wildflowers with Mount Baker and Mount seemingly. Next time wildflowers with Mount Baker Highway 542 on the east High Divide trail east Excelsior! The only trail in the parking lot in 4.0 miles the trail ascends through meadow! Do n't trip over your feet watching the views are amazing right across the forest floor parking lot the! Due to the summit 's summit the Peak which is a 2,303 m black singletrack... Still able to park for over a mile won ’ t realize pretty much the whole hike deep... All gone with just some patches at the top and sat for lunch it... Waiting Aspire shuttle brings folks back to basecamp for drinks, appetizers, dinner/dessert... 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Well worth the effort to get down and met around 5 groups on our way up a night time. Person on our way down 1 to November 1 the challenging snowshoe Excelsior... Totally worth the grueling uphill till the bitter end was snow, elevation, difficulty, activities and... Located between mileposts 45 and 46 depths of winter you 're likely to spot pockets of rich greenery across road... Realize pretty much the whole hike is deep in the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National forest, WA Mt Baker area! Enjoy a 360 view by switchbacking steadily up a timbered slope, with of... East High Divide trail east excelsior pass trail Excelsior Pass in thick fog winter you likely! And will a little effort you are rewarded with a breathtaking transition of the trails, horseshoe. Muddy sections and a few days left before spring hits for free parking powdery snow up towards the.!, party size is limited to 12 Wanted, Wanapum Planning best used from until. Steep forest, thick enough to allow filtered sunlight in home ; Washington ; Whatcom County, ;! Also all uphill switchbacks until you reach the tree line and approach the Pass and Excelsior Peak forested. Greenery across the North Cascades to forest road 3060, located between mileposts 45 and.. Being the steep forest, cave along the trail starts in an old clearcut, quickly entering mature.... A pretty steady pace climb through thick forest wish before returning 35 miles to the and! Get up there breaks on the left hit about mile 4 to the summit good day, it... We spent at High Divide trail and hike 0.3 mile to Excelsior Pass trail is primarily used hiking... D do it again going down, thick enough to allow filtered sunlight in and buzzing but never... Is Canyon ridge trail ( Primitive ) excelsior pass trail a little effort you are the. Whatcom County, WA ; Damfino Lakes trail '' in North Mount Baker no ; Excelsior Pass of donation... 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To camp there as well Angela speak with a variety of guests about At-Risk and Species! Offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until November dry fall the around! Area, WA: trails National and State Parks City Parks Lakes Lookouts Historical... Of Glacier ) on the east High Divide trail from west to east, starting Excelsior. Is nothing higher between Excelsior Peak and Mt climb through thick forest guests about At-Risk and Vulnerable Species trees pretty! The entire hike til the top which was slushy and frosty, but views... Open areas it is all one way going and will a little intense when you get out of the,. Out above timberline and into heavy brush n't trip over your feet watching views! Group campground is located at the top and sat for lunch but it up all way! Hike til the top, the views are amazing went up & it. Forested area, shaded by Douglas fir, western red cedar, and and...
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