Venture beyond Bellingham with Shifting Gears and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of destinations like Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Join us for our monthly day hikes and embrace the great outdoors through hiking!
Register Here
This October, don't miss our favorite fall hike to Yellow Aster Butte! The trail to Yellow Aster Butte in the North Cascades promises awe-inspiring views of Canada, vibrant autumn foliage, and vast wildflower meadows. Situated within the Mount Baker Wilderness, this trail winds along the sun-drenched southern slopes of the High Divide. It's an 8.2-mile hike with a challenging elevation gain of 2,828 feet. We recommend that participants feel comfortable tackling hikes like Lake Ann and Chain Lakes before attempting this one.
At Shifting Gears, our Day Hikes are designed to provide you with all the support you need. We have experienced hiking leaders who will offer encouragement (and snacks!) along the way. We take as many breaks as necessary, including numerous photo stops and snack breaks. We'll leisurely ascend to the summit, savor lunch while soaking in the breathtaking vistas, and then descend at a relaxed pace back to the trailhead.
To remove access barriers, we provide transportation! Plan to meet us in downtown Bellingham at 8:15 am on October 8th, and you can expect to return around 7 pm.
About the hike:
Starting at the trailhead, hikers immediately begin a steep ascent, sharing the path with those heading to Tomyhoi Lake. This initial climb gains nearly 1,500 feet of elevation in just under a mile and a half.
As you ascend, the trail meanders through an avalanche path, then leads you into a serene forest before emerging into a picturesque meadow. Along the way, keep an eye out for various flora. In the woods, you can identify different tree species, while the meadow offers a chance to spot Indian paintbrush, lupine, heather, fireweed, and more. Carrying a field guide can enhance your experience, allowing you to take breaks and identify interesting trees and blooms along the trail.
For those with an interest in geology, the trail also features rock formations sculpted as the Puget Lobe retreated north, providing a captivating diversion. Photographers will be captivated by the stunning vistas of Mounts Baker and Larrabee, the western section of the High Divide, and the Border Peaks in Canada.
After about 1.5 miles from the trailhead, you'll encounter a junction for Yellow Aster Butte, with your destination to the left. Heading right will take you on a trail to Tomyhoi Lake, another 2.5 miles away. The trail to Yellow Aster Butte levels out somewhat in the following section, allowing hikers to enjoy unobstructed views for a little over two miles. Eventually, you'll reach an unsigned junction approximately 3.6 miles from the trailhead.