Mt. Baker - Excelsior Peak / High Divide Traverse to Welcome Pass

Excelsior Pass to Welcome Pass

Rated - difficult (distance and elev. gain)

Time - 8 hours

Distance - 20 km's

Elev. gain - 1275 meters

Sorry no dogs

This will be a very rewarding hike with 360 degree views from the top of Excelsior Peak. The climb to get there will be a grunt from the Excelsior trail head but well worth the effort. This will be most of the elevation gain completed in the first few hours for the days hike. We then come down from the peak onto the High Divide trail and head east on to Welcome Pass for about 2 1/2 hours. This section is the icing on the cake for the day with mountain and valley views. As scenic a trip as any other hike on Mt. Baker. Be forewarned that once we get to Welcome Pass the trail down will be a real test for those with weak knees as we will descend steeply for 2.5 miles. ( poles highly recommended). This will be a two car shuffle where we will co-ordinate vehicles at each trailhead. Once again I just want to emphasize that this will be an endurance test so if you have any doubts about your capabilities please consider sitting this one out.

Description:

Trail description from west (Excelsior Pass Trailhead (http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/recarea/?recid=80201)) to east (Welcome Pass Trailhead (http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/recarea/?recid=80463)):

The south facing Excelsior Pass trail section of the High Divide Trail is one of the first in the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway area to melt, making it a good early summer hike. From the Excelsior Pass trailhead the High Divide trail enters Mt. Baker Wilderness (http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/recarea/?recid=79421) and switchbacks steadily up a forested slope, with evidence of old forest fires visible for the first two miles. In four miles you will break out above the timberline and into heavy brush. At 4.2 miles the trail reaches the meadows of Excelsior Pass, with outstanding views of Mt. Baker and the Nooksack Valley. Veering left at the junction of Excelsior Pass leads to Damfino Lakes Trail 625 (http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/recarea/?recid=17552) (hiker only). Stay right at the junction to proceed along High Divide. The trail gradually gains elevation and reaches a junction about a fourth mile from Excelsior Pass. To the left ascend another fourth mile, 5,699 ft. elevation to Excelsior Peak, or stay right to reach a high point of 5,930 ft., approximately two miles from Excelsior Pass. From the 5,930 ft. high point the trail travels up and down 2.5 miles to Welcome Pass. At Welcome Pass turn south and descend steeply 2.5 miles to the Welcome Pass Trailhead.

CARPOOL @7:00: Meet at the King Connector. Reply below if carpooling. ARRIVE ON TIME OR YOU WILL MISS YOUR RIDE. Follow the signs for the King Connector once off of the freeway at McCallum or traveling McCallum. Look for the parking lot on your right once on the Connector.

SUGGESTED RATE: $5 PER HOUR OF TRAVEL WOULD BE APPRECIATED TO HELP WITH GAS COST AND CAR MAINTENANCE.

Those who are not carpooling can meet at the Glacier Ranger Station or at the trailhead. Ranger station at 08:00 or trailhead at 09:00 for our start.

Things to Bring:

• Valid passport or Enhanced Driver's Licence

• Hiking Boots

• Poles can be useful

• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent

• Proper layers for rain, wind and cold.

• 2-3 litres of liquids

• Lunch - do not bring vegetables, meat or fruit. We will stop at Bromley's after crossing the border.

• First-aid kit

• A good idea to have travel insurance.

Please note that the organizers are not liable for your personal safety. The organizers are only there to arrange a meetup for your pleasure and enjoyment. We do not claim to be professionals and we do not have any medical training. By attending any of the hikes or events you are stating that you take full responsibility for yourself but it's a good call to look out for each other. You should also be aware of your own level of fitness and health. Common sense is a big plus.