Excelsior Pass via Nooksack River
North Cascades
As of June 20, 2026, Excelsior Pass via Nooksack River is largely snow-free to the pass, with wildflowers blooming. Snow remains on the final approach to the pass and extends down the backside and towards Excelsior Peak.
Recent reports indicate snow patches start around 4000-4600 ft, becoming continuous higher up. Spikes and poles are generally sufficient for the pass itself, with some recommending snowshoes for summit attempts, especially on warmer days when snow can become mushy.
The road to the trailhead is in good condition, and parking is available with a pit toilet at the trailhead. No significant trail obstacles have been reported.
generated from 36 reports
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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...
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...
Last person to do this hike today, after skiing from artist point, I started this hike around 2:30. I passed 4 groups on the way up and had the summit to myself. Snow at the pass and around the trail ...
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...
Got to the trailhead just before 10am. Only 1 other vehicle there. Trail is in great condition. Hit snow just as you break out of the trees at the meadow. We brought poles and micro spikes but did not...
Training for our Kulshan (Baker) climb continues! This time my 22yo son and I hiked up to Excelsior Pass. We thought about trying for the peak, but decided the pass was enough for today. We were defin...
Trail is in great shape. No blowdown. Very few if any wet or muddy spots. Snow starts at 5,000 ft. Our group put on snowshoes to travel up to the pass. We arrived at the pass at 11am on a sunny day ab...
Trail is in good condition. Snow patches start at 4300ft, snow covering trail at 4600ft. Used snowshoes in the bowl starting at 5000ft. Snowshoes and microspikes are helpful but not required. Used the...
I got to the excelsior pass TH and began my hike around 8:00 am with only one other car in the lot.PARKING LOT:large enough to hold idk maybe 20 cars? A there’s a space for a trailer.Vault toilet is m...
Started the hike around 11:00 in the early afternoon, and only saw a couple other hikers out. Snow didn't really start until just about a mile before the treeline, and I didn't put on snow shoes until...
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