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raising3hikers Member
Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 2344 | TRs | Pics Location: Edmonds, Wa |
With another nice and sunny day, I took off north towards the Mt. Baker area. I decided to climb Excelsior Mountain. I guess there are a couple trailheads for this one but figuring the higher one wouldn't be accessible, I started at the one off of the Mt. Baker highway, elev. 1900'. The trail was surprising fairly snow free to start out. It was patchy, icy snow until about 3200' when I put my snowshoes on because the snow was finally continuous. Up until that point, the snow was only up to a foot deep.
The trail is steep and has many switchbacks going through a dense younger forest. It opens up a little at around 4000' and I soon was able to get a look at Baker. I kept going up towards Excelsior Mtn. and other peaks were coming into view as I got higher. There was a nice powder on top of compact snow here. At the top, elev. 5712, I had amazing views in every direction.
Excelsior Mtn. 5712' Baker in the distance Tomyhoi and the Border Peaks
After a break at the top, I still had plenty of time, so I went east on the ridge towrd a higher point about a mile away. I dropped down a bit at first and followed snowmobile tracks most of the way back up to Peak 5930. This is the way towards Welcome Pass. I took another break and enjoyed the views of Shuksan, Icy Peak and many others. Glacier Peak was even visible today from there. I headed back down the mountain and was happy to enjoy a great day before the rains come back next week.
Trip stats-10.25 miles and 4500 elevation gain
Peak 5930 Excelsior ridge Icy Peak Baker
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silly_traveler ~ roaming ~
Joined: 04 Jun 2006 Posts: 1525 | TRs | Pics Location: Bellevue |
I was wondering who's car was at that TH this morning
Did you see us? We were waving to you from Herman Saddle
♫ You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. And you're the one who will decide where you'll go. Oh the places you'll go. - Dr. Seuss
♫ You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. And you're the one who will decide where you'll go. Oh the places you'll go. - Dr. Seuss
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Highwalker's Daughter Member
Joined: 12 Aug 2006 Posts: 1575 | TRs | Pics Location: Bothell, WA |
Beautiful pictures. That is one of my favorite hikes - we've been going there for over 40 years. It is my mom's absolute favorite place. It's interesting to see what it looks like in the winter. I was thinking I might just have to give it a try. Thanks for sharing.
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bobbi stillaGUAMish
Joined: 13 Jul 2006 Posts: 8012 | TRs | Pics Location: olympics! |
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bobbi
stillaGUAMish
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Fri Feb 20, 2009 9:44 pm
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where's the boys? oh....that thing called school
what a beautiful outing .... and views
bobbi ૐ
"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So…get on your way!" - Oh, the Places You’ll Go! By Dr. Seuss
bobbi ૐ
"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So…get on your way!" - Oh, the Places You’ll Go! By Dr. Seuss
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Matt Tea, Earl Grey, Hot
Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 4307 | TRs | Pics Location: Shoreline |
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Matt
Tea, Earl Grey, Hot
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Sat Feb 21, 2009 11:47 pm
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Nice going. I still haven't made it to 5930.
“As beacons mountains burned at evening.” J.R.R. Tolkien
“As beacons mountains burned at evening.” J.R.R. Tolkien
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Magellan Brutally Handsome
Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 13116 | TRs | Pics Location: Inexorable descent |
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Magellan
Brutally Handsome
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Sat Feb 21, 2009 11:51 pm
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Hikingqueen Member
Joined: 12 Nov 2007 Posts: 2946 | TRs | Pics
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Awesome report! It was a really nice sunny day to be in the mountains.
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