[the Zachster]

Well technically, we never actually went up the Butte but during this backpacking trip we were pretty much staring at it all weekend. Somehow we were able to entice Hikingqueen away from Mt. Rainier for a weekend It was another one of those perfect fall weekends that we've been having. Perfect temps. Perfect views. Perfect company. Fall is an awesome time of year to visit YAB. Partly because the snow often lingers late (we never got in last year due to persistent snow). But mostly because the fall colors here are rich and beautiful. And this year we were surprised and delighted to find delicious blueberries all along the way. Hiking in...

One of the highlights for me this year was watching Janelle experience the views into the basin for the first time. It is still exciting for me every time I see it...so beautiful. All I remember is Janelle exclaiming HOLY CRAP!!! about a hundred times!

After descending into the basin, it took a little while to find a suitable camp because the ground was really saturated and soggy in most places. But after finding a good spot, setting up camp and taking a brief alpine nap...we grabbed our cameras and wondered around, exploring the many tarns. Clouds were lingering over the Border Peaks, obscuring the summits.

Back to camp for dinner and some more shooting as the evening light changed the surrounding colors...

Although it felt chilly as we went to bed, all slept well in warm bags and tents. It was wonderfully calm and quiet. A very peaceful evening. The next morning Janelle and I got up to do a little exploring before she had to leave. We wandered up toward the bump that's on the opposite side of the basin from Tomyhoi. More great blueberries for breakfast! More tarns and various things to shoot...

We returned to camp to shoot some more. This tarn was our dining room. Quite lovely.

Janelle and Cedar did some final bonding...

And we said good-bye as Janelle headed home.

Since Mark and I still had all day to roam, we opted to head up toward Tomyhoi. Not enough time, gear or interest in summiting.. but it's a fabulous place to soak in the views of Baker, Shuksan, YAB, Larabee and the border peaks and beyond! And of course, more tarns!

Really wanting to stay for a few more days...we reluctantly headed back down to pack up and head home. Facing a work week after a weekend like this is always so much easier. So grateful for this fall weather that true nwhikers dream about... PS Here's the Butte that we didn't hike ...

[Sadie's Driver]

[Jetlag]

Beautifully photographed! Great area for fall excursions.

[Mtn Dog]

This has to be one of your favorite places....having been there at least twice in just the last few years. I can see why.

[zhenya]

Great photos and a fantastic trip! We were the guys camped out a hundred yards south-ish of you, and I think we ran into each other as you were coming out of the basin up the first section of the Tomyhoi trail. You guys made it a lot further up that thing than we did. I'd heard about the area and knew of its reputation as a late season destination, but was nevertheless amazed by its beauty and the exploration and photographic opportunities that the meadow and tarn area offered. I was enamored with Shuksan and the scene beneath it, and this one viewpoint into the Chilliwack Valley. Really bummed that I didn't see much of the glowing red Border Peaks and Larrabee, but it's very cool to see some of the scenery that we missed and you captured.

Among the meadows, tarns, and old gneiss beneath Yellow Aster Butte.

[Hikingqueen]

It was a spectacular area, i'm still dreaming of those tarns and hills to explore! Here's my pics...I can't wait to go back and stay 2 nights! Thank you for showing me this area!

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Above our camp site

Evening glow

Dinner location

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Yellow Aster Butte Overnight sunset

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Yellow Aster Butte Overnight sunset

[joker]

Great report, thanks. Nice to see how the colors are progressing up there. I still have some shreds of the glow that I gained from spending two nights up there in early September. And no matter how far you go up Tomyhoi, you gain some really nice views and fun alpine ridge romping. For comparison, here's how it looked on a MUCH colder weekend almost exactly 5 years ago

watching-sunset

[Gabigabs]

Amazing photos. We were camping just about half mile up the hill towards Tomyhoi. Maybe you already visited that area, if not, keep it in mind for next time. There's lots to explore there too.

[the Zachster]

Thanks for your nice comments, all! Gabigabs: Sorry we missed you! We explored up there on Sunday...fabulous views. Did you find a good tarn for water? There was some great running water higher up. Maybe we'll camp up there next year... joker: BRRRRRR! Beautiful shot! Janelle: thanks for the pics! LOVE the stemming marmot shots! zhenya: No trip is complete without a nwhiker sighting! MtnDog: Absolutely. It never fails. It's also a really fun trip to take friends on. A relatively easy hike with unbelievable scenery.

[olderthanIusedtobe]

[Magellan]

Absolutely gorgeous! I was hoping to get there this coming weekend but it's not looking good.

What the heck is this?

[tmatlack]

Zachster and Cedar, et al, Wonderful photos and it is really hard to beat this time of year in the mountains. And that Cedar dawg....dude...such dignity and nobility...even when he is using a rock for his pillow! Tom

[the Zachster]

Magellan: I'm not sure what it used to be before it dried up, some kind of daisy maybe? This view was from above so you can only see the heads. They are actually about 12 inches tall. Pretty even at the end! Tom: You have to be Cedar's #1 dawg fan! Thanks!