Yellow Aster Butte Trail 686.1

The Yellow Aster Butte Trail is within Mt. Baker Wilderness. It traverses the south-facing slopes of the eastern end of the High Divide, winding in and out of small drainages. Find various wildflowers such as anemone, aster, paintbrush and fireweed along the trail, as well as interesting rock formations carved by glaciers and worn by weather. Enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Baker, Border Peaks, Mt. Larrabee and the western portion of the High Divide.

Start on Tomyhoi Lake Trail 686 , switchback through an avalanche path, then enter the forest and continue gaining elevation until the trail breaks out to a flat bench in a meadow. The junction with Yellow Aster Butte Trail 686.1 is about mile and a half from the trailhead. Turn left at the junction and contour around the south side of Yellow Aster Butte.

At 3.6 miles from the trailhead, reach an unsigned junction. The trail to the right continues approximately a half mile to the windy summit of Yellow Aster Butte. The trail to the left descends 200 feet on a series of steep switchbacks and narrow tread to Yellow Aster Meadows and the designated camping area, where glaciers have carved numerous, small tarns (lakes). Sharp-eyed hikers can find evidence of past mining activity. Camp on snow, rock or bare ground; the meadows are extremely fragile. Beyond the tarns are cross-country unmarked routes to High Divide and Tomyhoi Peak.

Washington Trails Association Hiking Guide and Trip Reports