Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest — Excelsior Ridge Trailhead

The Excelsior Ridge Trailhead sits on Canyon Creek Road (FR 31) north of the North Fork Nooksack River, deep in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. From here the trail climbs hard to Excelsior Ridge, one of the best unobstructed views of Mount Baker’s north face you’ll get without a permit or a glacier. Staging area is basic — gravel pullout, vault toilet, no water — but the approach road through old-growth and second-growth forest is an adventure on its own. Popular with hikers in July and August but well off the radar of most casual visitors.

FR 31 off of Highway 542 is mostly gravel with some rough sections — high-clearance 2WD is fine in dry conditions, but the road can get sloppy after rain. Northwest Forest Pass required at the trailhead. Snow closes upper access into mid-June most years. Cell service drops out a few miles up Canyon Creek Road.

Baker's north face, no permit required.