Excelsior Pass via Nooksack River — Friday, Apr. 18, 2025

I'm a few days late to this report, but oh well. I was one of 2 cars at the trailhead when I started around 2pm on Friday. Beyond the first switchback I saw naught but the ravens circling Excelsior peak and the camp robber that tried to take my oatmeal. Snow started around 3800 feet and quickly became consistent. The trail was kinda hard to follow in a few places due to the snow being firm and few people having been up there recently. I didn't use snowshoes until I came out of the trees. The sun was out and the snow was soft above tree-line. I went up to the summit to enjoy the 360 views before returning back down the way I came to camp in the patch of trees nearest to the summit. I pitched my tent in a tree well. I was very proud of this spot. It rained a little overnight and cleared up again in the morning. The most challenging part of this hike at this time of year is probably the variable snow conditions, so be prepared for anything.