Established Camping
Yellow Aster Butte
Yellow Aster Butte is located in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, featuring rugged terrain with alpine meadows and rocky outcrops. Temperatures can range from 30°F to 70°F depending on the season, with cooler conditions at higher elevations. Nearby attractions include the scenic Mount Baker and the picturesque Nooksack Falls, offering opportunities for hiking and sightseeing.
Description
National Forest
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
With views into Canada, fiery fall color and sweeping wildflower meadows, the trail to Yellow Aster Butte is one of the most popular in the North Cascades. Located in the Mount Baker Wilderness, the trail traverses the south-facing slopes of the High Divide. As you climb, you are treated to spectacular wildflowers shows in spring and early summer. Come autumn, the hillsides are vivid in orange, reds and yellows. This is a breathtaking area at any time of year, and so understandably popular. Expect plenty of company on trail and arrive early if you plan on camping.
The trail descends on narrow, steep switchbacks to the camping area. Day hikers will want to head right, to the summit of Yellow Aster Butte. From here, the views are stunning, with Baker, Shuksan, Tomyhoi, and many other jagged, snow-covered peaks lining your horizon.
Due to its popularity, the camping area is likely to be full by midday. Please only camp on snow, rock, or bare ground – the meadows here are as fragile as they are beautiful, and even a short overnight stay can seriously damage them.
Reservation Info
Day-use and overnight visitors to the the Alpine Lakes Wilderness will need to fill-out a free, self-issue permit available at ranger stations and trailheads. Carry a copy of the permit with you and deposit a portion in the box at the trailhead. Overnight visitors to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Enchantment Lakes area in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest June 15 - Oct. 15 must obtain a special overnight Wilderness permit.
Location
Yellow Aster Butte is located in Washington
Directions
From Glacier, WA travel east on Mt. Baker Highway SR 542 for about 12 miles. Then turn left ontoTwin Lakes Road (Forest Service road 3065). The road is located at the east end of the Department of Transportation's Shuksan maintenance facility. After 4.5 miles on Forest Service road 3065, reach the Tomyhoi Lake/Yellow Aster Butte Trailhead and parking area.
Coordinates
48.9435 N
121.6625 W
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonGood
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
Drive Time
- 1 hr 12 min from Bellingham
- 1 hr 34 min from Mount Vernon
- 2 hrs 28 min from Seattle
- 3 hrs 25 min from Bremerton