Excelsior Pass and Excelsior Peak - Mt. Baker, WA 8-30-2016

This is a great workout hike through the forest with spectacular views on top and also offers multiple options to explore other junction trails for additional hikes, backpacking and camping. I always wondered about Excelsior Pass Trail because I notice the trailhead whenever I drive on SR 542 on the way to Mt. Baker. So, I am glad I finally took the time to hike this trail.

Trailhead
Trailhead is located about 8 miles east of Glacier on SR 542. It has a small parking lot with restroom.

Excelsior Pass
The trail is in great condition all the way. There is a blow down blocking the trail in about 3 miles, but it's easy to go around. The trails climbs steadily from the beginning all the way through the forest until it breaks out into open meadows on the hillside in 4 miles. It's a gruel marching up and up with switchbacks. This hike gains 3,500+ feet in 4.5 miles. In about a mile, there is a waterfall streaming down on a slanted granite slab. There isn't much water running now, but it's still nice to see the waterfall. By the way, there is a small underground cave along the trail about 1/4(?) mile before you come to the waterfall. The cave looks going down pretty deep....maybe the hidden entrance to Middle-earth??? The trail continues to climb up and up another 3 miles or so and views open up as the treeline thins out. There are wild berries along the trail....and they are ripe and sweet!! The last 1/2 mile to the pass traverses a beautiful hillside meadow with wildflowers, wild berries, and fantastic views of Mt. Baker and the valley down below. Take time to enjoy the views.

Excelsior Peak
There are a few options to explore after you reach Excelsior Pass. The trail junctions with Damfino Lakes Trail and High Divide Trail which also junctions with Excelsior Peak. My time was limited, so I took the path to Excelsior Peak which you can summit in about 1/2 mile. To reach Excelsior Peak, take High Divide Trail and go left at the Y. The trail begins to climb soon toward the peak as you see it. The last 1/4 mile to the summit gets steep, however. Take in the sweeping views of 360 panorama from the top!....Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, N. Cascades, Church Mountain, Canadian peaks and more far and near. Bellingham, San Juans and BC may be seen when the sky is clear.

Excelsior Pass trail is a great hike with lots of options to explore. 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.

 

Church Mountain - Mt. Baker/WA

You notice a towering peak coming into sight between forest lines along HWY 542 when you drive toward Mt. Baker from the ranger station in Glacier. The peak is Church Mountain. Ever since I noticed the majestic appearance of the peak en route to Mt. Baker, climbing Church was one of my bucket lists. I finally made it yesterday. 

Church Mountain is an awesome hike....."no pain, no gain" is well fitting. Although the hike may be a bit strenuous (3,750 ft elevation gain in 4.2 miles), it's worth the effort for the reward you see on the way and at the summit. The trail is well maintained. After 3 miles of hard climbing in numerous steep switchbacks through the deep forest of tall tree growth, the trail comes into an alpine meadow.....be ready to get awestruck by breathtaking views of Church's towering wall and landscape.

As you traverse the meadow, enjoy picturesque Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan juxtaposing on the skyline. Once you cross Deer Horn Creek, the trail begins to climb up again leaving the alpine basin. The view of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan gets even better as you gain more elevation into 6,000 ft.

Continue the journey up to the old lookout site on the rocky peak at 6,100 ft. Use caution, however, while climbing up to the rocky top. Wow...the summit offers spectacular 360 panorama in all directions. To be frank, it's one of the best panoramas I've ever seen. Stand on between heaven and earth, and take in all the glory of God's creation and spectacular landscape from Church....Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, North Cascades, British Columbia, Kidney Lakes, San Juans, and the vicinity - Skyline Divide, Table Mountain, Ptarmigan Ridge and much more as far as you can see.

It was quite intriguing to watch a hiker I met at the summit flying a drone for aerial filming. Obviously, recreational activities like flying a drone is allowed if not in designated wilderness. In fact, the drone's aerial footage of Church gives a different perspective of the hike and amazing views of the mountain and landscape. Here is the link to watch the drone's aerial views of Church Mountain filmed yesterday by the hiker "North Cascades Aerial". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1_GpWmQu8s&feature=youtu.be

Church Mountain....yes, indeed, TWO THUMBS UP! Hallelujah!!

8.5 miles RT

Gain: 3750 ft

Highest Point: 6100 ft