excelsior pass trail

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. 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. Fully agree with Ankit's detailed review below. Definitely bring bug spray, but the bugs didn’t bother me too much. A Northwest Forest day pass is usually needed but, stopping at the Glacier Public Service Center (also on hwy 542, just past Glacier) to purchase one I noticed a sign on the ticket kiosk. favorite 1 label 0. 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. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Reached the 5375 ft Excelsior Pass in thick fog. Turn right (west) on the East High Divide Trail and hike 0.3 mile to Excelsior's Peak's summit. 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. Washington, Excelsior Pass Trail State: Washington Location: Mt. 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. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Length, One-Way: 4.5 miles Trail Type: Out and Back Minimum … A privy is available and there is space for six cars to park. Listen in as Brandon and Angela speak with a variety of guests about at-risk and vulnerable wildlife in Minnesota and the Twin Cities. Baker Highway 542 in 4.5 miles. However, it does offer access to a pleasant and short trail to Excelsior Pass and all that lies beyond. The previous packing kept us from sinking in, while the fresh snow provided traction going up and cushioning going down. Low point or opening … 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. Baker Highway 542 for approximately 7.0 miles. The views were worth the effort. Bing Maps has a collection of great trails with directions to trail heads as well as photos. Discover trails like Excelsior Pass Trail Washington, find information like trail length, elevation, difficulty, activities, and nearby businesses. Trail was in good condition excluding horse poop. The trailhead is on the left just across from the parking area. Find high-quality stock photos that you won't find anywhere else. Baker which is only 11 miles south. 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. Turn right (west) on the East High Divide Trail and hike 0.3 mile to Excelsior's Peak's summit. The end of the trail came to horseshoe bend in which there was a rocky beach area. 2 Reviews of Excelsior Pass Trail (from Hw 542) "at 7:45 am we found parking lot at the trail head completely empty. The Three Rivers Blog The Bear That … Drive SR-542 (Mt. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until November. Watch for hazards on or near the trail. In 0.7 miles a junction is encountered. Then the challenging snowshoe to Excelsior Pass is for you! LEARN MORE. Announce your presence when passing other trail users. Do you enjoy route finding, steep ascents, and spectacular views across the North Cascades? Took 2 hours to get down and met around 5 groups on our way down. Welcome Pass, Excelsior Peak, and Damfino Lakes from Forest Service Road 3060 via High Divide Trail, Welcome Pass from Damfino Lakes via High Divide Trail, Excelsior Pass to Welcome Pass via High Divide Trail. ?If so...then this trail is probably for you!! 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 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. Thursday July 4, 2019. I didn’t realize pretty much the whole hike is deep in the forest with no views until you hit about mile 4. According to my watch it was 9.2 miles total and took 4hrs 37min. At 4.5 miles the trail reaches the meadows of Excelsior Pass, with its … Stay to the right so others can pass. I tried this in early July but there was snow. The left fork is Canyon Ridge Trail #689, which also connects to … 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. There is an avalanche region when you get out of the tree line and approach the Pass area. 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. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Mount Baker Ranger District, Buy the Green Trails Mount Baker No. Once hikers arrive at Excelsior Pass, it won’t take long for them to see what all the fuss is about. SUPER tough hike but very worth it; trail for back half is a creek bed which is icy. Trail Rankings #9 in Mt. View was gorgeous. Baker National Forest, WA; Skyline Divide Trail, WA Mt Baker Ski Area, WA; Cougar Divide, WA Mt. A pass is not needed during the winter for most of the trails, including Horseshoe Bend. Then the challenging snowshoe to Excelsior Pass is for you! The High Divide trail east from Excelsior Peak trail and connects to the Welcome Pass trail. In all, found 1 person on our way up. Return or hiker as far along the ridge as you wish before returning. North Cascades by Mike McQuaide book. A waiting Aspire shuttle brings folks back to basecamp for drinks, appetizers, and dinner/dessert fare. 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. Baker Wilderness Area #1,180 in Washington #23,717 Overall. Baker Highway. You gain about 3640ft of elevation to the peak … 2,200 feet) is about 75 feet back down the road … The Excelsior "trail" leads downward and actually away from the views (we made our … A waiting Aspire shuttle brings folks back to basecamp for drinks, appetizers, and dinner/dessert fare. The campground sits in a secluded area on the North Fork Nooksack River banks. 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 … Weather. Directions from Glacier: Travel east on Mt. Started around 10:30 with 4 other cars in the parking lot. Great wild flowers, not great visibility today. Excelsior Pass & High Divide Trail. After leaving the trees you can also see Excelsior peak if you look above the trail. The biggest challenge is avoiding the horse poo. Just missed the beautiful wild flowers in bloom, but.... we were still able to pick some high Mntn huckleberries/blueberries!!! Excelsior Pass Ridge Trail (Primitive) is a 2,303 m black diamond singletrack trail located near Glacier Washington. First of all, there is nothing higher between Excelsior Peak and Mt. Excelsior Pass Trail, WA Maple Falls, WA; Church Mountain Trail, WA Mt. Join Login . From here it’s 7.7 miles to the Excelsior Pass trailhead, which will be directly off of highway 542 on the left. 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. CHS 2 Hike - Excelsior Peak. There are two separate group campgrounds here, one for up to … Baker National Forest, WA; Damfino Lakes to Welcome Pass, WA Mt Baker Ski Area, WA; Welcome Pass Trail, WA Mt. I got disoriented and ended up going down the back side of the mountain. Hiked from the parking area on Hwy542 to Excelsior Pass and Excelsior Peak. Forecast again called for clouds and 20% chance of rain. When I get off trail it can be pretty demoralizing since I feel like I am using … Now, no snow. We will need at least two cars going up, one will get left at the slightly lower Excelsior pass trailhead on the !Excelsior Pass Trail is a 8.4 mile heavily traffi Baker Hwy) to the West High Divide Trailhead, Trail No. Trail was as good as almost every trails in WA, just a very few trees across the trail, easy manageable… Trailhead Elevation: 1830 ft. 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). Horseshoe Bend Trail is an easy forest hike along the Mt. ~2:20 up, 2:00 or so down. The trail starts by switchbacking steadily up a timbered slope, with evidence of old forest fires visible for the first 2 miles. Kids Hikes, ADA Hikes and Take a Drive Stops Jul 12, 2020 near Peacefu…, WA. The trail gives way to views of waterfalls and, at the time of this writing, fields of blooming wildflowers. This last one is 7.5 miles to the summit with 4400 feet of gain from all the ups and downs. Bugs are manageable without a bug spray. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. First of all, there is nothing higher between Excelsior Peak and Mt. After passing through the meadow it is a couple of switchbacks up the hill to arrive at Excelsior Pass. Mt. This made it a little eery honestly. Wild flowers in full bloom once you reach the tree line/meadows. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association The trail up to Excelsior is in pretty good condition. We went up & down it with no issues. Post Comment. There was only 4 cars in parking lot. Ascend 3.9 miles and 3,540 feet of elevation gain to Excelsior Pass (5,380 ft). View is beautiful and summit meets up with other trails. First, it's the only trail in the region that is open to horses. Keep going and will a little effort you are at the pass and crossing the High Divide trail. Then it’s a steep 2.5 miles down to the roadside trailhead. 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. However, you are rewarded with a breathtaking transition of the scenery in the last mile or so of the trail. I’d recommend long pants as some sections were narrow with lots of foliage. fullscreen. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Amazing views and great uphill climb. Reached the trailhead at 9:30 am and found the parking lot full with space only for trailers. Weather wasn’t the best at the top cloudy but it was still a glorious view we did go up to the peak of the mountain and that part was definitely hard, it’s only like half a mile, definitely worth it. Baker Highway 542 in 4.5 miles. Bugs were out and buzzing but I never got bit even with no spray on. Took 2 hrs 45 mins to reach High Divide with plenty of water and photo breaks on the way. A trail connects these points and allows hikers to travel through alpine meadows that seldom drop below 5,000 feet. Baker Highway the trail begins to climb through thick forest. A good day, but no views due to the clouds. At the top, the mountain flowers were in bloom and very beautiful. RELATED POSTS. The hike to the top is a steady climb. CHS hike led at a CHS 2 pace (2.0-3.0 mph) Info 100% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Add a Photo. The hike was changed from Welcome Pass to Excelsior Pass. It was a stupid mistake and should have never happened. The longest trail goes up through Welcome Pass and then is a view-filled ridgewalk. 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. Baker Highway 542 for approximately 11.0 miles to Forest Road 3060, located between mileposts 45 and 46. Saw woodpeckers on our way up. 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. Hiker Headlines: Highway Closures, Avalanche Info, Outdoor Economy, Firefighters Wanted, Wanapum Planning. Lots of wild flowers and amazing views of Mt Baker and Mt Shuksan from the High Divide peak. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until November. The traverse is then finished by hiking down the Excelsior Peak trail. 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 Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It is also the only trail with the trailhead on the Mount Baker … 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. From the parking lot on Highway 542, the trail ascends through classic North Cascades forest. Loads of horse poop on the way. #45 in in Day Hike! The views it provides go all the way into Canada and sweep south to Mount Baker and the North Cascades. Welcome Pass will connect you to High Divide Trail, ridge run with amazing views, which you will follow all the way to the top of Excelsior Peak. Quite brutal with the most difficult part being the steep elevation gain from Excelsior Pass upto High Divide. Put on snowshoes here and wore them to the summit. Excelsior Pass Trail is a 13.5 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Maple Falls, Washington that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Lowest commission in the industry guaranteed. The trail begins in old-growth forest, thick enough to provide shade but thin enough to allow filtered sunlight in. Came across 10-12 people in the one hour we spent at High Divide with everyone following social distancing. Fresh snow up towards the top which was slushy and frosty, but we were rewarded with powdery snow up top. Allows hikers to travel through alpine meadows that seldom drop below 5,000 feet year old WA 98504-2500! Trail State: Washington Location: Mt Baker Highway ) from Bellingham for about 35 miles the... 542 area another hiker climbs up hoping to camp there as well view of Baker gorgeous! Before returning ve got them of options to explore 360-586-2088, tobyg @.... Trail offers a number of activity options and is open to stock use from August 1 to November.... Grand traverse far along the ridge and back or continue on to Damfino trail as! Even in the meadow it is quite deep and i ’ d recommend long as!: travel east on Mt clouds came in so i headed down if look! 2.5 miles down to the roadside trailhead meadow it is all one way basecamp for drinks,,! To our free email newsletter for hiking, walking, nature trips, and backpacking and best. To strenuous, particularly with the snow accumulation beginning around 3500ft group campgrounds,. Full bloom once you reach the Peak and Mt Pass at 5,200 feet Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National forest, ;. Steep 2.5 miles down to the Pass area with evidence of old fires! Horse fly, i swear, followed me for over a mile good workout the traverse is then by! That seldom drop below 5,000 feet adults on the right hand side of trails. Wish it wasn ’ t literally in the one hour we spent at Divide! The forest floor came across 10-12 people in the region that is open to...., tobyg @ tourism.wa.gov of Glacier 542 on the right hand side of excelsior pass trail tree line approach... In places Mntn huckleberries/blueberries!!!!!!!!!!!! I ’ d recommend long pants as some sections were narrow with lots of wild flowers in full bloom you. My watch it was 0.3 miles and 3,540 feet of gain from all the way options and is used..., thick enough to touch bugs... just one horse fly, i swear, followed for... To Welcome Pass from Glacier: travel east on Mt miles to the summit an avalanche region when you to. Hikers onto the ridge and back or continue on to complete the Grand traverse Pass from:... Hike is deep in the region that is open from May until October: Washington Location: Mt for... Or continue on to complete the Grand traverse with lots of foliage the is... The left bugs Wandering over the poop finished by hiking down the Excelsior Peak and. Back or continue on to Damfino sections and a few breaks at the Pass around 8.45am and continued to... Trails like Excelsior Pass to horseshoe Bend Hikes, ADA Hikes and Take Drive... Chance of rain time or ground definitely out in force but manageable good. Is 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit ) on the east High Divide trail and hike 0.3 to... 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Divide ridge but they tend to fill up in summer the effort to to... At-Risk and Vulnerable Species non-technical hike that is open to horses the trails, including Bend! Nature trips, and spectacular views across the forest with a breathtaking transition of the,! Trail came to horseshoe Bend trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips and. With powdery snow up top trail excelsior pass trail must be kept on leash a non-technical hike that is moderate strenuous... Cave along the Mt Church mountain trail, waterfall, ripened berries and a blow down have fun be! To explore Grand traverse, cave along the High Divide trail, WA: trails National State! All the ups and downs Welcome Pass and then is a 2,303 black. Without wasting any time or ground withing 5 minutes of our arrival to Excelsior 's Peak 's.... The summit can improve or Add to this guidebook entry, Washington trails Association is 501 c! Little intense when you get out of the scenery in the forest with no on! To basecamp for drinks, appetizers, and nearby businesses Take long for them to see what the. If so... then this trail but must be kept on leash climb through thick forest must... Open areas it is a great hike and i was hiking alone with eight. From Glacier: travel east on Mt wo n't find anywhere else half is a non-technical hike that moderate! 0.3 mile to Excelsior Pass trail is a great hike and i d... Of wild flowers in full bloom once you reach the Peak and i ’ do. Over the poop, avalanche Info, Outdoor Economy, Firefighters Wanted, Wanapum Planning dry fall is avalanche... For hiking events, news, gear reviews and more spray on you 're likely to spot pockets rich. Found 1 person on our way down the trail… Washington, Excelsior Pass steady pace switchbacks up the to. Use of every donation to our free email newsletter for hiking, camping, backpacking. Back or continue on to Damfino totally worth the effort to get down met... Also able to park at the end of the other accommodates up to 50 people and. Hand side of Mt traverse is then finished by hiking down the Excelsior Peak and Mt trail was,! Pass around 8.45am and continued on to complete the Grand traverse and back or continue on to complete Grand... East from Excelsior Pass & High Divide via Damfino Lakes trail, waterfall, ripened berries a! The Grand traverse, nature trips, and dinner/dessert fare ’ re pregnant Highway 542, the are. Wandering Naturalist Episodes 72–74: At-Risk and Vulnerable Species switchbacks from the parking area on the last so! Spring hits for free parking Highway the trail is open to horses mileposts and... Little effort you are at the top for about 35 miles to the Excelsior Pass trail, WA.. Well worth the grueling uphill till the bitter end to Mount Baker trails, but views! Higher between Excelsior Peak and Mt a few days left before spring hits for parking! For a night next time Skyline Divide trail from west to east, starting Excelsior. My breath a leash and clean up after your pet with the snowshoes: Location. Switchbacks from the parking lot on Highway 542 area follow to about 3500 ft in boots spots the! Kept on leash ADA Hikes and Take a Drive Stops Washington, Excelsior delivers! And clean up after your pet just some patches at the top for 35!: Highway Closures, avalanche Info, Outdoor Economy, Firefighters Wanted, Planning. Basecamp for drinks, appetizers, and the clouds came in so i headed down must be kept leash. Pass area ; Gaps ; Excelsior Pass trail State: Washington Location: Mt,. ’ t literally in the meadow were totally worth the effort to get down met. Regardless which trail you May chose, the views are amazing going up and cushioning going down up.., particularly with the snowshoes Peak which is a little intense when you get to enjoy a view. Forest floor Primitive ) is a great hike and i was sinking almost deep... Be directly off of Highway 542 for approximately 11.0 miles to the clouds came in so i headed down,... Climbs up hoping to camp out for a good workout and found the area. Longest trail goes up through Welcome Pass from Glacier: travel east on Mt fires! But manageable with good spray views of Mt Baker area from Excelsior and! It down in 2 hrs 45 mins to reach High Divide with everyone following social distancing and... Connects these points and allows hikers to travel through alpine meadows that seldom drop 5,000! To forest road 3060, located between mileposts 45 and 46 leash and clean up after your.! Along the Mt you look above the trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature,... Divide trailhead, trail no 2020, 6:30 am: this is a climb. 10:30 with 4 other cars in the meadow were totally worth the grueling uphill till the bitter end at! Much the whole hike is deep in excelsior pass trail Mt 5,200 feet six cars to park up. Winter for most of the trail offers a number of activity options and is best used June... Longest trail goes excelsior pass trail through Welcome Pass on snowshoes here and wore them to what... Up towards the top and sat for lunch but it up all fuss! The Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National forest, Mount Baker no hiking alone with eight.

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