State: Washington
Location: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Length, One-Way: 4.5 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 5300 feet
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Heavy
Parking: Northwest Forest Pass is required at trailheads.
Snoqualmie falls as seen from the trail
Trail Information
This trail follows the crest of Excelsior Ridge, or High Divide, from Excelsior Pass to Welcome Pass, offering miles of meadows with supreme views. Come in summer for flowers or autumn for brilliant color.
Though camping is plentiful, plan to carry water, as the ridge is dry once the snow melts.
Trail #630 is within the Mt. Baker Wilderness. In keeping with wilderness regulations, party size is limited to 12. No fires are allowed.
The trail is open to stock use from August 1 to November 1 and open to llamas all year long.
Directions
To Damfino Lakes Trailhead from Glacier:
Travel east on Mt. Baker Highway 542 for 1.9 miles to Canyon Creek Road (Forest Road 31). Turn left on FR 31 and continue about 15.0 miles. The Damfino Lakes Trailhead and parking area (el. 4,200 feet) are on the right hand side after the road takes two switchbacks. Hike the Damfino Lakes Trail #625 for 3.0 miles to Excelsior Pass.
To Excelsior Pass Trailhead from Glacier:
Travel east on Mt. Baker Highway 542 for approximately 7.0 miles. The parking area is located on the right hand side of the highway. The Excelsior Pass Trailhead (el. 1,800 feet) is on the left just across from the parking area. Take the Excelsior Pass Trail #670 for 4.5 miles to Excelsior Pass.
To Welcome Pass from Glacier:
Travel east on Mt. Baker Highway 542 for approximately 11.0 miles to Forest Road 3060, located between mileposts 45 and 46. Turn left on FR 3060. The parking area is located at the end of the road, about 1.5 miles from the Mt. Baker Highway. The trailhead (el. 2,200 feet) is about 75 feet back down the road from the parking area, which has a minimal stock trailer turnaround. Take Welcome Pass Trail #698 for 2.5 miles to Welcome Pass.
