Yellow Aster Butte Trail

If coming for fall, there is none left, only snow all the way through. The drive to trailhead is tricky as last 5-7miles was icy/snow on roads. Cannot stress enough to have microspikes,poles and also chains on tires. Gorgeous sunny day to see Baker though.

Rating this hike based on my hike 2 weeks ago - beautiful! But tried to get there again today not realizing it had dumped snow earlier this week. The snow really started getting to be an issue 3 miles into the forest service road. We decided to turn around and come back, as 1) our car is tiny and 2) we hadn’t come prepared for a hike fully in snow (2 weeks ago it was fine save for the top 1/3). Make sure you’ve got a good vehicle and your snow gear from here on out!

Perfect weather! Awesome fall color and view of mount baker etc!! Totally worth it!!

About 8 miles round trip. Lots of fall color. We hiked through snow and at the top the clouds cleared briefly to reveal beautiful views. Muddy spots on trail, slushy spots as well. Great hike. Fairly crowded even on a foggy, rainy, snowy day. Road up has some potholes and rocks to avoid.

Mud, mud, snow, sun, mud, mud. What a beautiful day. Every type of weather. Then at the top. The clouds broke open and it was so amazing.

On 10/1/19 the trail conditions are good with only small areas of mud and one area of snow/ice on the trail. Most of the trail is dry and had beautiful fall colors with a light dusting of snow. About an 8 mile round trip trail. Lots of blueberries! Saw some cool birds up at the top, some hawks were circling. Access road (5 miles) isn't great but manageable, I got up there on my street motorcycle, just take your time. Overall a great experience! Hikers, please pick up yours and your dog's waste!

A little bit snow plus beautiful sky and cloud, if you down to the lake will get amazing reflects photo.

Not hard trail. Would do it again! The weather was sunny that day. Although it's Monday, there were plenty of people of the trail. The last climbing part required some microspikes. It was doable without them but I felt safer and more comfortable walking with them. Still some blueberries on the trail. The trail suggests nice variety of views and great rewarding view at the top. As soon as you get to the top, the trail continues for about 1/2 hour along the ridge to another peak. From that peak you will see the Tomyhoi Lake. That part involves a lot of scrambling - we didn't do that. Want to try this trail in summer with the flowers. Although fall red and yellow bushes look amazing with the snow peaks and green trees.

Completed on 9/28/2019 Saturday. The last 5 miles to the trail head is a bit rough with potholes and gravels yet manageable. Parking by the roadside. The trail is actually more popular than expected; encountered quite a few groups on both ways. Saw some people picking out the blueberries by the trail too. Going in this season, watch out the snow; bring trek poles and micro spikes. The trail condition is good; from the beginning it needs some level of climbing but overall not difficult. The last 0.2 mile to the butte top is steep, with snow it can be a bit slippery. Yesterday it was snowy and cloudy but the view was still very stunning. The colors were hidden under the thin layer of snow on the way to the butte but the snow was pretty much melted on the way back. You can see the lakes, mountains and colors of fall with winter snow altogether. Pretty unique. Recommended to go for sure.

Road up to Trailhead is full of potholes, be careful. My dog was attacked by yellow jackets on this trail, but otherwise it was a great hike. Lots of berries and mushrooms along the trail and spectacular views. I didn't find the trail to be extremely difficult. Also, parking may be tough.

First 1.9 miles are pretty tough, Oyster Dome tough but, after that it is very manageable. This trail has amazing vistas and is a must do!

Yellow Ester Butte Trail is a must do hike. The sights are spectacular a surprise every where you look. Loved the challenges in this hike but very doable! We completed the hike this morning didn’t run into too many people. By far my favorite hike so far!

My GPS must have quit working half-way up to the summit because all 3 trail apps shut down at the same spot. Anyway photos show we got to the top.

First backpacking trip! I loved it. We swam in the tarns, had views everywhere we looked, had lovely neighbors that were still camped pretty far away from us, and had a happy puppy. Mt Baker was showing off as it always does but so were the neighboring mountains. Bugs were more aggressive while you are hiking up to your camp spot but they were more manageable once you set up camp.

For me the most challenging part of the day’s hike was getting to and from the trailhead. And I’m not kidding. The dirt road leading to the trailhead is a minefield of big rocks and deep potholes. In my Prius it was a white knuckle ride the entire time. I never went more than 10 mph on that 5 mile dirt road. That being said, it was well worth it. Spectacular views from much of the trail. I personally would rate it a moderate hike since the ascent is rather gradual and for many portions flat. The last quarter mile is steep however. I had to turn around at this point since I didn’t trust that my old ACL/meniscus injury could handle the descent from the very top.