Ptarmigan Ridge
6 days ago
Wild blueberries are sweet and ample now
21 this month · 107 reports
Excelsior Pass via Nooksack River
North Cascades
updated 6 days ago
The trail to Excelsior Pass is in good condition and snow-free, with the road suitable for all vehicles. Hikers are encountering large numbers of grasshoppers, particularly in the meadow area around 4 miles, and some have reported bugs being an annoyance, especially flies. Fall colors are beginning to appear as of September 5. A waterfall approximately 1.3 miles up the trail is still providing a water source as of July 17.
Generated from 48 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Excelsior Pass via Nooksack River
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 6 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
Grasshoppers are present in large numbers, described as 'billions' and 'thousands' in the meadow areas as of September 18 and September 3. One report notes they were in 'full force' as of September 19.
A waterfall about 1.3 miles up the trail was still running sufficiently for water needs as of July 17. Other water sources may be limited until closer to the pass.
The road is reported to be suitable for all vehicles, with no issues mentioned in any of the reports from July through September 2026.
No significant obstacles like blowdown or major washouts have been reported in the recent trip reports. However, some hikers have noted an abundance of horse poop on the trail as of July 25.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Fresh6 days ago
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
First and foremost, this trail is 4.5 miles ONE way and 3550 elevation gain to the pass. Grasshoppers were in full force at the meadow. Views, as expected, were spectacular once you hit the meadow at ...
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
Arrived at about 7:45 am, 2 cars in the High Divide lot - Took the High Divide trail up to Excelsior Pass and nabbed the peak as well. Unsure on the mileage on the day as I did not go all the way to W...
Recent2 weeks ago
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
An amazing hike. Fall colors are just starting to come out. The only complaint is right when you get out of the trees at the top there are like billions of grasshoppers they jump everywhere and are re...
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
It was a cloudy day so not much for mountain views, but I'm so glad it was cool because this was quite a climb! Even though the trail is shaded by the canopy I wouldn't want to make this climb on a wa...
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
I forgot the pictures on the previous post
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
Trail in very good condition and moderately busy on this misty day. The bugs were not bad, but there were tons of crickets in the meadow. The wildflowers are glorious right now! Water sources not grea...
Older3 months ago
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
Great trip up to Exselsoir Peak via the Damfino Lakes trailhead today. Fantastic views of all the mountains, Baker, Shuskan the main show, even into Canada and the Olympic mountains far to the north a...
Older3 months ago
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
Incredible hike up to the alpine terrain of the Cascades. Snow free up to the pass with about 10ft of snow before getting on to the High Divide trail to get to the peak. No spikes are required.Wildflo...
Older3 months ago
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
Great day in the North Cascades, only one other car at 7:30. This trail is steep at the beginning, but the grade gets better past mile one and there're a lot of long switchbacks that break up the cli...
Older3 months ago
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
I headed up shortly before sunrise at about 4:45. The trail had some wet stretches and some short snow crossings near the top. I passed one hiker coming down while ascending. On top of the ridge the s...