High Divide Trail — Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024

A jolly group of hikers from the Mount Baker Club headed to the Damfino Lakes Trailhead today, aiming to bypass Excelsior Peak and venture farther to the High Divide. We reached the parking area a little after 10AM and snagged the last few spaces on this sunny morning. By 10:30 we were well on our way, reaching Excelsior Pass by 12:15. Ignoring some hunger pangs, we continued around the base of Excelsior, enjoying better and better views of many peaks, some familiar and some nameless, in all their autumnal glory. After some huffing and puffing as we gained altitude on Excelsior's flank, we reached a fork. To the left a trail meandered to the top of Excelsior, familiar to many and well-loved. But rather than heading up to that lofty viewpoint, we bore right and were treated almost immediately to breathtaking views to both the north and the south. In less than half an hour along the High Divide we reached a flat open area where we stopped for lunch. All seemed to agree that the views were second to none in our experience. The brilliant fall foliage enhanced the panorama of mountains extending as far as the eye could see. To the north was Mt. McGuire in Canada, and a bit east of it we caught a glimpse of ruddy Mt. Larabee peaking above its neighbors. As usual, Shucksan and Koma Kulshan stole the show, but not without formidable competition. When most of us were 

ready to begin the return descent, one couple of strong hikers opted