Yellow Aster Butte — Wednesday, Sep. 13, 2023

Cool weather day perfect for this hike with exposure and elevation gain. There are rocky sections but then what great hike doesn't? Fantastic views of Baker, Shuksan and other ranges names I do not know. The road is potholed but saw all types of vehicles at TH. Parking along the road appears to be where most parking is. The junction for Tomyhoi Lake/Yellow Aster Butte is closer to 2.5 miles, not 1.5 miles as stated in  trail description. We thought we had missed the junction but finally saw it at 2.5 miles. The trail switches direction at this junction so you basically make a slow 180 degree direction change, with the trail going up through meadows that wind around and up toward the top. When you get to the other side, there are multiple tarns below with trails between them. Overnighters camp in this area from conversations had with hikers coming and going. Didn't go to the very top as we loved just hanging out soaking in the views. On our way down, saw a marmot just as he dropped into his burrow. Heard pikas but didn't see them. Colors are changing! Saw a few wildflowers so it's transitioning very quickly. Saw a number of hikers but very spread out so never seemed crowded at all on this Wednesday. Definitely will do this hike again. Tracked  8 miles RT with 2,100' EG and did not do the last little bit to the very top but did explore the area just below.