Mt Baker - Damfino Lakes to Excelsior Pass and Welcome pass via High Divide Trail

Six enthusiastic BOC hikers woke up early on Saturday, July 19 to ensure they reached Burnaby City Hall by 7am. We met early because our trip required a border crossing. The early morning start helped us reach the US border at 8am and it only took us 20 minutes to cross the border. We also reached Ranger Station at 9am and met up with our 2 hikers driven from White Rock. Ten of us reached Demfino Lake trailhead and started hiking at 10am.

The trail begins in old-growth forest, thick enough to provide shade but thin enough to allow filtered sunlight in. It gains elevation moderately to a junction with the Canyon Ridge trail, then drops slightly as the tree canopy opens to a swampy area holding huckleberry bushes, a small lake, and a couple of ponds:  Damfino Lakes.

After about 1km of flat terrain, we climbed again in shady forest until the trail again levels off at just over 5000 feet. Then the forest gives way to rolling meadows and views of Excelsior Pass. Two hundred yards ahead, rock-hop a stream then climb through open meadows the remaining 3/4 km to the Excelsior Pass with 360 degree views.

After reaching  Excelsior Pass and taking a short lunch break, taking some photos and videos, we continued our hike east along the Divide toward Welcome Pass.  Weather was pleasant and cooler which made our hike more comfortable. We turned around at 2pm and got back to our cars by 4:30pm.

Thanks to our drivers Susan,Su-Jane and Connie for making this beautiful excursion possible for us.
Trip report from Su-Jane
Photos by Karen, Su-Jane, Susan