From Seattle drive 90 miles North to Bellingham. Take exit 255 (Sunset/Mt Baker hwy) drive east 31 miles to the town of glacier. Drive another 13.5 miles to forest service road 3065 (Twin Lakes Road) from here drive 5 miles (stay left at all forks) to the Yellow Aster Butte/Lake Tomyhoi trailhead, please be respectful and find a good place to park that allows other drivers access and the ability to turn around. Off-road capable vehicle may be able to drive beyond this point but it gets very rough, if you do continue on remember that the trailhead is at 5,200ft so check your snow levels to see if your car can make it.

Route Description

Round Trip ~9.5 miles (from yellow aster butte trailhead)
Elevation Gain 2,900 (from yellow aster butte trailhead)
High Point 6,521

The trail is short, about 2.5 miles, and not too steep, it gains about 1,300 feet. But that is only the trail. Unless you have a high clearance 4x4 theTwin Lakes road is not accesible beyond the Lake Tomyhoi/Yellow Aster Butte Trailhead (it really is bad, don't tempt it). Therefore you must hike a relatively easy 2.2 miles up the road gaining 1600 feet in the process. This makes for total of 4.7 miles and 2,900 feet gain, perhaps hard for some people to hike but very easy for a climber. This is truly one of the most spectacular hikes in the region. The trail begins at twin lakes, where there are also very nice campsites then heads due west (take the left fork after the lake). After a sharp turn that points you back north you start to gain some elevation before entering a little a quarter mile traverse to the south with absolutely stunning views of baker and Shuksan. After turning back north the real climbing begins, gaining about 500 feet in a quarter-mile to the summit and an old lookout. For those with greater ambitions you can traverse from here to high pass from which you can attempt the formidable Mt. Larrabee (7,868 ft). The traverse is not recommended to beginners, the faint of heart, or those without cross country navigation skills.

Essential Gear

In winter and early spring an Ice Axe is recommended.
In winter you'll need skis or snowshoes and avalanche gear.

Miscellaneous Info

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