This was a long drive for a short hike but I had a tight hiking window and wanted some spectacular views. This little hike did not disappoint.
After a brief climb to a small pass the trail drops steeply, then takes a slowly ascending traverse to the beginning of switchbacks for the next climb. The trail crosses multiple gullies, some showing signs of recent rockfall. Also, there's some vegetation encroaching along with slide alder in spots though easily passed.
Tight, sometimes steep switchbacks climb to Low Pass with views of Mt Baker before another ascent and traverse to High Pass. Great views of the surrounding mountains. Flowers were past prime but fall colors are starting.
The road? Worse than the last time but still doable in my Subaru. Lots of people walking from the Yellow Aster Butte parking area. No scrapes but a little tire slippage in spots. Met another Subaru going up on my return in one of the worst spots but we squeezed by.
Comments
Lucy on High Pass
A few years back I was driving down from this trailhead and met a car driving up the steep curvy road. No room to pull aside so I had to back up going uphill to a spot where I could pull over. First time I ever had to do that and it wasn't pleasant. I was quite nervous but I survived the ordeal. This area has great views and I like adding Winchester Mountain to the hike.
Posted by:
Lucy on Sep 13, 2025 10:22 AM
Ups n Downs on High Pass
Yikes! I would think the proper etiquette would be for the other person to back down. Glad you survived. 🙂
Posted by:
Ups n Downs on Sep 13, 2025 02:12 PM
Muledeer on High Pass
I always wanted to go up and hike out of Twin Lakes, but the road! Hub and I parked at the Yellow Aster TH and hiked up the road to the lakes, no views it was one of those days. We got to the switchback, you know the one, and a couple of teens had bottomed out and got the folks luxury sedan stuck right at the turn. One of them had gotten a ride down for help, but yikes, I wonder how much trouble the driver was going to be in!
Posted by:
Muledeer on Sep 13, 2025 09:18 PM
Ups n Downs on High Pass
About as much trouble as when I was told not to drive my VW Bug to Mt. Rainier without a spare and ended up spending the days on the shoulder of Westside Road instead of hiking Emerald Ridge. Proving once again that youth is wasted on the young!
Posted by:
Ups n Downs on Sep 13, 2025 09:28 PM