Mount Baker · hard
Yellow Aster Butte
7.5 miles round trip
2,550 feet of gain
Aug–Oct best season
hard difficulty
Tarns, blueberries, and a summit knob with Shuksan filling the east. In late September the whole basin turns red and the huckleberries are a legitimate scheduling risk.
Official details reviewed 2026-07-21 · Always recheck alerts before travel
Why choose this trail
Autumn color and North Cascades views. A steep trail climbs from the Twin Lakes road through forest and open berry slopes to a high basin and summit viewpoint.
Landscape & habitat
Heather, huckleberry, tarns and late-melting snow create classic North Cascades subalpine habitat. Berries attract both people and bears.
Access, passes & rules
The final forest road is rough and conditions vary; low-clearance vehicles may need to park lower. A federal pass is normally required.
Conditions & hazards
Early snow, rough access and bear-active berry slopes deserve planning. Store food carefully if camping.