Yellow Aster Butte

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

"Perennially popular among hikers exploring the Mount Baker Wilderness, the trail to Yellow Aster Butte is a North Cascades classic with forests giving way to spectacular alpine meadows and breathtaking views of Mount Baker, Mount Skuksan, and into Canada. Blueberries abound through the middle section of the trail before giving way to a series of the rock fields and creek crossings on exposed mountainside. Keep a lookout for the resident marmots and listen for owls and you pick your way through forest and alpine meadows along this hike." - Overview by David Kerruish, Outdoor Project

If you're looking for a great fall hike, this may be the one for you. After climbing a mile or two through forest, you'll emerge to see mountainsides covered in reds, oranges, yellows, and purples. Though that may not be the scientific name for these seasonally-colored shrubs and grasses, it's a beautiful sight. You'll pass by a creek or two, and some small glacial pools that add deep blues, greens and grays to the hike's color scheme. Though this butte-busting trail is a grueling 8-mile trek, there's an optional turnaround spot before you take on the last big climb.

At the top of Yellow Aster Butte Trail #686.1 you'll find a large flat summit with magnificent views in all directions. Most people choose to linger for a while here and then return downhill. However, there is the option to continue along the ridgeline to a yet higher point. Though not very far, it's a rather arduous addition with 200 more vertical feet on steep and unstable footing, possibly across precipitous snowfields. Adventurous hikers who complete this section will get the reward of standing on the butte's true summit and seeing Tomyhoi Lake in the deep valley below.