Excelsior Peak via Damfino Lakes Trail — Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020

Left Bellingham around 7:30 and got to the trailhead at 9. The road is pretty typical for a forest service road, with one section in particular that would make it difficult for low clearance car (but I did see one in the trailhead). Based on the previous trail report I was expecting bugs to be terrible, but they really weren't that bad for my hike (perhaps the rain the days before helped). Carrying my 1 year old in the backpack carrier I was able to make it to the top in about an an hour and 15 minutes. The trail was in great shape, just one notable blowdown that I was able to get over without taking my carrier off. Views from the top were perfect, although a little hampered by the fact that I just realized I didn't have my keys on me and locked them in my car. I quickly made it back down in about an hour (the trail was relatively busy as expected with a beautiful day) and when I made it back to the car I quickly went to work to break in. Thank you to the stranger who was just starting the hike with their son who happened to have some sturdy wires perfect for jimmying in through the door jam and unlocking the car! The drive out felt much shorter and more pleasant. I would really recommend this hike as the views to effort ratio are great for kids or those who might not be into strenuous hiking.