Distance
7.5 miles roundtrip
Trail Guide
Yellow Aster Butte Trail
7.5 mi roundtrip · 2,500 ft gain · Moderate · Yellow Aster Butte
Trail Stats
Elevation Gain
2,500 ft
Highest Point
6,145 ft
Trailhead Elevation
3,600 ft
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Type
Out And Back
Features
Alpine tarns
Wildflower meadows
Mount Baker and Shuksan views
Technical Notes
Beautiful hike to a high basin filled with small tarns and wildflower meadows. Views of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, and the Border Peaks. The final approach to the butte is steep but not technical. Snow on trail into mid-July. Trailhead access via rough gravel road. One of the best wildflower hikes in the North Cascades.
Getting There
Trailhead
Twin Lakes Trailhead
FR-3065, off SR-542 near Artist Point
Parking: ~15 spaces
From Seattle
140 mi · 185 min drive
I-5 North to Exit 255 (SR-542 East). Follow SR-542 nearly to Artist Point, turn left on FR-3065. Rough road last 4 miles. ~3 hours from Seattle.
Planning Details
Best Season
August through October
Dogs Allowed
Yes
Required Pass
Northwest Forest Pass
Annual: $30.00 · Day: $5.00
Mountain
Yellow Aster Butte · 6,145 ft · North Cascades
Avalanche Forecast
Check current avalanche conditions for the Yellow Aster Butte zone before your trip.
Ready to plan?
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