Yellow Aster Butte

 

The Mount Baker area never ceases to amaze me. The 4.2 mile (6.8km) gravel road up to the trailhead is not bad and I think most 2wd cars will make it. The road is better than the Skyline divide road. You just have to go slow and watch for potholes and oncoming traffic.

The location of the start of the forestry road (NF-3065) to the trailhead is HERE

It was a beautiful sunny day and the views were stunning. There were many wildflowers to be seen and minor snow patches which are easy to cross. I put on bug spray at the beginning and didn’t have a problem with the bugs – no bites !

The trail is a gradual climb and never really steep. The steepest part is at the end on the way up to the butte, but it’s short and pretty easy.

I highly recommend this hike !

Remember – You will need a Northwest Forest Pass, which can be purchased in person at the Glacier Public Service Center at 10091 Mt. Baker Highway,Glacier, WA (Link to Map)

Or you can buy an epass in advance online at the Discover Your Northwest website

Border crossing tips: Bring passport, Nexus or enhanced ID !!; no fruit, no veges, no meat (this isn’t a complete list !); trailmix is ok. There is an IGA just across the border if you want to get some fruit or a sandwich for your hike.

A great resource for current conditions for this hike is the WTA website.
Check it OUT !!!

The stats:

Distance: 12.6 km (7.8 miles)
Time: 6 hours
Low point: 1075 m
High point: 1896 m
Elevation gain: 821 m
Trailhead: 48° 56’ 36” by  121° 39’ 45.7” (Google Map)

The route…

Here are the photos…

Mt. Baker from the Trail
Mt. Baker from the Trail
Yellow Aster Butte
Yellow Aster Butte
Trail
Trail

Trail
Trail
Some snow today
Some snow today
Scenery
Scenery

Push to the Butte
Push to the Butte
Mt. Baker
Mt. Baker
Mt. Baker
Mt. Baker
More Scenery
More Scenery

Meltwater stream
Meltwater stream
Meltwater lakes
Meltwater lakes
Inetersting snow formation
Inetersting snow formation
Colourful Flowers
Colourful Flowers

Baker Again
Baker Again
Road at Trailhead
Road at Trailhead
Wildflowers
Wildflowers
Trail sign
Trail sign

★★★★★★★★★★★

Before heading out on your hike, make sure you are well prepared. This means, having the TEN ESSENTIALS. It is also important to leave a trip plan (route details and estimated return time) with someone you trust.

Bring your smartphone, fully charged and put it in airplane mode while hiking. I always bring back-up battery packs for extra piece of mind. It is highly recommended that you bring a GPS device; I use my smartphone with a GPS app (Backcountry Navigator). The GPS will work in airplane mode. Learn how to use it before your hike.

For anyone new to hiking, there is a rule to which hikers follow; it is called “Leave No Trace” or LNT. The concept is generally to pack out what you pack in and respect nature, so all future visitors can enjoy what you have enjoyed.
To learn more about LNT, please check out this BLOG by a certified LNT Trainer.

★★★★★★★★★★★

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