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 Reporter |
Summary: The first half of the hike is steep with lots of switchbacks but levels out at the signed junction with Tommi Hoi Trail. There are lots of marmots and pica in the rocks along the trail. Beautiful meadows and views of the Cascades. There are plenty of camp sites around the tarns at the end of the trail. Trailhead: From Bellingham, go east on Hwy 542 (Mt. Baker Hwy). Go past Glacier to the highway maintenance sheds and turn left on FS Road 3065. When you come to an unmarked intersection, go left and follow it a half mile to the trailhead. (Lat:48.92068 Lon:-121.67976) Trail Guides for Yellow Aster Butte: Hiking Whatcom County by Ken Wilcox (NW Wild Books) Pacific Northwest Hiking by Ron C. Judd & Dan A. Nelson (Foghorn Press) Hiking the North Cascades by Eric Molvar (Falcon Publishing Inc.) Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Glacier Public Service Center 360-599-2714 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Robbie Hochreiter, who has posted 24 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Sharon on 9/6/2008 The perfect backpacking destination! (see our photos at: http://sharon.floft.net/index.php?id=85 ). Once you reach the tarns, just keep following the foot paths south-west towards numerous potential tent sites tucked away in the rocks beside the tarns. There are enough trails heading off in all directions to provide many hours (days?) worth of exploration.
Reviewed by Sharon on 8/7/2008 The road is in good condition with ample parking on either side of the switchback. The trail starts out steep, mostly through trees, and then levels out at 1.5 miles at the fork in the trail. Take the left fork to proceed to Yellow Aster Butte and the right trail for Tomyhoi Lake. At this point, there are no more trees to provide shade and the trail gets very hot on a sunny August day. The trail curves around the basin, crossing only 1 large easy-to-cross snow field, though long enough that sunglasses proved very helpful. At the next fork in the trail, right heads UP (very steep) to Yellow Aster Butte and left heads DOWN (also very steep) to the tarns. Do both and enjoy very different but equally magnificent views. Bugs were out! 
Reviewed by Doug Clark on 9/1/2007 Nice hike, esp. once you get up into the subalpine zone with the meadows and views. Hikers should be aware that the trail shown on the topomap on this site is not the trail in the description. The latter starts higher on the Twin Lks road, climbs towards Tommahoi Lk east of Yellow Aster Butte, then traverses across the bowl on the south side of YAB over to a bench above the ridge-top lakes shown on the map. I'm not sure where the trail shown on the topo starts...it's not marked on the Twin Lks Road.
Reviewed by Noel Hastings on 8/26/2005 This is a fabulous hike this time of year. I just returned from 2 days up there and the blueberries are perfect, as are the temps. A dry winter seems to have contributed to few bugs, plenty to drink (and swim in though). Be aware that the trail on the USFS maps (and posted on this website) is inaccurate. The newer trailhead is shared with Tomihoi Lake partially. Check out: Pictures
Reviewed by Celina on 4/7/2005 Stunning views of Baker and Shuksan make this hike worth the drive. I would recommend it for late summer, or early fall when the colors are changing to brilliant shades of orange, yellow, and red. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Washington Hiking, Washington Trails, Washington Hikes, Whatcom County Hiking, Whatcom County Trails, Whatcom County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||