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. The south facing Excelsior Pass trail is one of the first in the area to melt out, making it a good early summer hike. Baker Highway 542 in 4.5 miles. From there it was 0.3 miles and 337 vertical feet to the summit. It is not the most interesting trail but it lets you climb nearly 4,000 feet and when you emerge in the beautiful open meadows below Excelsior Pass the views will be well deserved. Announce your presence when passing other trail users. Forecast again called for clouds and 20% chance of rain. Pet friendly hike. Then the challenging snowshoe to Excelsior Pass is for you! Seemingly relentless uphill with huge payoff! Our family of four was pretty tired at the end. There was only 4 cars in parking lot. Trail Rankings #9 in Mt. 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. Each campground has a fire pit, picnic shelters and tables, and is open from May to … Turn right (west) on the East High Divide Trail and hike 0.3 mile to Excelsior's Peak's summit. A trail connects these points and allows hikers to travel through alpine meadows that seldom drop below 5,000 feet. Round Trip Hiking Distance: 8.5 miles . Reached the trailhead at 9:30 am and found the parking lot full with space only for trailers. Great trail! Join Login . Baker Highway 542 in 4.5 miles. Washington, Excelsior Pass Trail State: Washington Location: Mt. A mountain toilet is available at Excelsior Pass. Bugs are manageable without a bug spray. Baker which is only 11 miles south. Sat, Jul 25, 2020, 6:30 AM: This is a longer hike and unique in that it is all one way. The left fork is Canyon Ridge Trail #689, which also connects to … fullscreen. I spent a lot of the relaxing time reflecting back on the day, where I had started, the mileage, the sights, the trail thinking sessions all day long. Fully agree with Ankit's detailed review below. After leaving the trees you can also see Excelsior peak if you look above the trail. From here it’s 7.7 miles to the Excelsior Pass trailhead, which will be directly off of highway 542 on the left. Took 2 hours to get down and met around 5 groups on our way down. Trails System Excelsior Springs Parks and Recreation 112 South Thompson Ave, Excelsior Springs 816-630-1040 www.esparks.org Rainbow Trail 1.85 Miles Rainbow Trail The Rainbow Trail (formerly known as HWY 69 Trail) runs along HWY 69/Rainbow Blvd on the west side of Excelsior Springs. I spent a lot of the relaxing time reflecting back on the day, where I had started, the mileage, the sights, the trail thinking sessions all day long. #45 in in Day Hike! Trailhead Elevation: 1830 ft. The trail starts by switchbacking steadily up a timbered slope, with evidence of old forest fires visible for the first 2 miles. The campground sits in a secluded area on the North Fork Nooksack River banks. Return or hiker as far along the ridge as you wish before returning. At Excelsior Pass are the junctions with High Divide Trail #630, which travels along Excelsior Ridge (High Divide) for 4.5 miles to Welcome Pass and the Excelsior Pass Trail #670, which drops to meet the Mt. Regardless which trail you may chose, the views are amazing. First of all, there is nothing higher between Excelsior Peak and Mt. The campground sits in a secluded area on the North Fork Nooksack River banks. SUPER tough hike but very worth it; trail for back half is a creek bed which is icy. Excelsior Lower to Excelsior Pass. The ups and downs of this ridge hike are not difficult and seldom interfere with the spectacular views that this open ridge has … From archery ranges to horseback riding trails and more, see what's open, what's closed and what requires a pass in Three Rivers. From the parking lot on the side of Mt. Excelsior Pass Trailhead Summary. Baker Highway. The hike took us seven hours total but we finished it. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until November. Luckily, was able to park at the pullout right across the road. Sunday morning day hike to Excelsior Peak in the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest with a friend. The Excelsior Pass trail had ideal snow conditions - a party yesterday had packed down a snowshoe trail and then half a foot of new snow had fallen overnight. CHS 2 Hike - Excelsior Peak. Downtown Excelsior Springs Trail System The Downtown Excelsior Springs Trail System includes three trails: Fishing River Linear Park Trail, Isley Park Woods Trail and Siloam … Mostly in the trees. Reached the 5375 ft Excelsior Pass in thick fog. on the trail. Trail was in good condition excluding horse poop. Overnighted so enjoyed incredible night star viewing. Baker National Forest, WA; Damfino Lakes to Welcome Pass, WA Mt Baker Ski Area, WA; Welcome Pass Trail, WA Mt. We brought our Frenchton who went up and down the hike no problem Search Near Whatcom County, WA: Trails National and State Parks City Parks Lakes Lookouts Marinas Historical Sites. Note: Carry water later in the summer. Baker Hwy) to the West High Divide Trailhead, Trail No. Summit Elevation: 5712 ft. Went on a Saturday. 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. Definitely bring bug spray, but the bugs didn’t bother me too much. Keep going and will a little effort you are at the pass and crossing the High Divide trail. The views it provides go all the way into Canada and sweep south to Mount Baker and the North Cascades. Great wild flowers, not great visibility today. Baker National Forest, WA; Skyline Divide Trail, WA Mt Baker Ski Area, WA; Cougar Divide, WA Mt. 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. Quite brutal with the most difficult part being the steep elevation gain from Excelsior Pass upto High Divide. I was hiking alone with an eight year old. Trail through the forest, cave along the trail, waterfall, ripened berries and a blow down. Baker which is only 11 miles south. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Horseshoe Bend Trail. THIS IS ACTUALLY "HIGH DIVIDE via DAMFINO LAKES TRAIL" IN NORTH MOUNT BAKER AREA. 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