September Hikes: 4 to 8 miles, 750 to 2,000 feet gain - Excelsior Peak via Damfino Lakes

WTA trail description: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/excelsior-peak-via-damfino-lakes-trail 

The photo on this posting is credited to Jack Nichols Photography. He has a great blog about this hike. 

https://www.jacknicholsphoto.com/journal/2021-10-3/excelsior-peak-via-damfino-lakes?srsltid=AfmBOooWgePNGQrwdpag5rw-5_41pzjGyJbsOCXSKnktTOOXrOwQmGoE

This is an all-day trip. It will take some time to drive to this trailhead, so if you sign up for this hike, expect to be gone for the day. Meaning do not plan anything else for the day. I will offer a social time afterward someplace in Mount Vernon (or other) to stop for lunch and enjoy each other's company. The social time is not required, but do note this for if you carpool with someone who does want to attend the lunch. 

• 8:00 am - this means arriving no later than 7:45 to get ready and circle around for introductions at 8. 
• Damfino Lakes Trailhead
  Co-ordinates: 48.9593, -121.8070
• I highly recommend carpooling. A good P&R along I5 is called Ash Way P&R. You will need to work out carpools amongst yourselves. I will be offering to take three people and will meet at the P&R. More details in the 'hello hiker' email to come in September.
• Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
• Because of the December storms of 2025, the road to the trailhead is not passable at a certain point. I will be contacting the ranger station this summer to see if they've cleared the way to the trailhead. If they haven't, I will make sure we have a plan B for the day. More information to come in August.