Thursday Yellow Aster Butte Hike

Is there a more classic local hike than Yellow Aster Butte?? Summer or fall, the views of Baker and Shuksan are top-notch and the vibrant colors shine brightly.

Join us for this difficult hike, totaling 7.5 miles out and back, with 2,550 feet of elevation gain. We'll be hiking at a moderate pace, not too slow but not too fast, and stopping at the top to soak up the views and some food.

Please plan on a full day as it's 2 hours from town to the trailhead, plus the hike, plus a possible pizza stop on the way back. I expect to hit the trail at 10am for anyone that wants to meet us there (i.e., not carpool).

For more info: WTA - Yellow Aster Butte

Notes:

• Well behaved dogs are allowed, preferably on-leash.
• There's a bathroom at trailhead but it's usually RIPE.
• Northwest Forest Pass or Senior Pass required at parking area (WA Discovery Pass will not work).

Carpooling: Let's meet at the Northeast corner of the Lowes parking lot in Bellingham at 8:00 am near the KFC/A&W. We can carpool/caravan from this point. If you plan to drive directly to the trailhead, please leave a comment below so we don't wait for you. The hike will start at 10:00 am.

• Driving Directions to Lowes in Bellingham: From I-5 take Exit 255 and head east on Hwy 542. Lowes and KFC are almost immediately on your right in a large parking area. We'll meet in the Northeast corner of the Lowes parking lot near the KFC/A&W at 8:00am.
• Driving Directions to Trailhead: From I-5 take exit 255 onto Sunset Drive/Mount Baker Highway (Hwy 542) East for 46 miles to Twin Lakes Road, located on your left and partially in the DOT highway maintenance garage parking lot. In 4.3 miles of gravel road, you'll be at the trailhead.

Housekeeping:

• We will cancel for high winds or heavy monsoon rains but we will hike otherwise.
• You must sign-up and be on the “Going” list to participate.
• If you sign-up for this event, out of respect for the group and those on the wait list please make every effort to attend.
• Please practice leave-no-trace.

Disclaimer: We are not professional hiking guides or medical professionals. We are volunteers. You alone are 100% responsible for your own comfort and safety. By attending this hike you agree to these terms and do not hold hike organizer(s) liable for injuries and/or medical issues during or after this event.