Excelsior Pass exceeds our expectations for knockout lookouts near the Canadian border.

Located in the North Fork of the Nooksack River Drainage, it's an average hike in difficulty that pays big dividends in scenery.

From Bellingham, take Mount Baker Highway -- that's Highway 542 -- for 31 miles past the town of Glacier, then go another 2 miles to Canyon Creek Road and turn left. You'll hit the trailhead to Excelsior Pass in another 14 miles.