Overview

Really, what can you say about fall colors in the North Cascades?

Yellow Aster Butte is a gentle triple summited peak just off the Mt. Baker Highway between Goat Mountain and Tomyhoi and west of Winchester Mountain. A trail goes to the rounded south summit and from there another traverses a saddle to a rocky knob which is the peaks highest point, the North Summit. While not really a climbing objective, it is a very rewarding view summit: Mt. Baker, Shuksan, the Pickets, Larabee, the Border Peaks, Tomyhoi, and in the distant west, Church Mountain. The trip is especially beautiful in September when the fall colors are in full display and the huckle berries are at their ripest. I suspect that the northeast aspect of the north summit would make for some exposed scrambling.

For geologic information click on the USGS link.

Yellow Aster Butte is a very popular hike, so if you are able, try to plan your trip for during the week.

Yellow Aster Meadows have beautiful tarns with beautiful views.

Getting There-

Fall collors from the parking lot.

Referenced "Hiking Whatcom County" and own experience:

From I-5, take exit 155 east and you will be on the Mt. Baker Highway. Just past MP 46, turn left on the Twin Lakes Road at the DOT Maintenance Station. If you pass the Hannegan Pass Road on cross the Nooksak River, you've gone too far. Drive the Twin Lakes Road 4.5 miles to a hairpin turn that is the parking area for the trailhead. The 2 miles beyond this will take you to Twin Lakes and the trailhead to Winchester Mountain. It is a gnarley 2 miles, however, and recommended only for those with 4WD and good ground clearance.

Red Tape

A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead. A Golden Eagle Pass can also be used.

Passes can be purchased at the Bellingham REI, the Chevron Station in Maple Falls, or the Ranger Station in Glacier.

Route

A trail description will be available soon.

Camping

Looking over Yellow Aster Meadows to Tomyhoi.

Since Yellow Aster Butte is an easy day hike, camping is generally not an issue. Still, the area is hard to say good bye to, so one may opt to camp. If doing so, do it at Yellow Aster Meadows with all of the tarns.

Car camping can be done a Twin Lakes 2 miles beyond the trailhead, but the road getting there requires 4WD.

Photo of Bob Bolton's camp in Yellow Aster Meadows

Looking down at Yellow Aster Meadows and the tarns from the peak.

Current Conditions

For current conditions visit the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Conditions website.

Images



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