Thanks RGB for the information re: the road. Never crossed my mind that the FSR could be closed due to washouts, etc. (doh) and no I'm not afraid of a little elevation gain but I do dislike boring switchbacks. Not sure if that is what the trail from the Baker Hwy to Excelsior Peak is like. I will have to do some homework to find out, and thanks for the info re: Cowap Peak and Church Mtn.