Day Hike - Winchester Mountain

Let's explore the beautiful alpine meadows above Twin Lakes! We will take the spur trail to the Winchester Lookout, then return to the trail toward Low and High Pass. Each turn reveals another layer of mountains until we are finally nose to nose with Mount Larrabee and the Pleiades, at a knob above High Pass at 6,775'. Participants can opt out of some of the elevation gain by skipping the out and back to Winchester Lookout and the last ascent (narrow tread, side-hilling 850' in .7 miles).

Our route includes a 2.5 mile road walk each way, fortunately we can be amused by the beautiful views and wildflowers. 

We will travel at a moderate pace, allowing time to enjoy where we are and identify flowers.  If it is a warm day, we will take a second "lunch" in the afternoon to soak feet and hats in one of the lakes.  Bring a suit if you want an alpine dip! Expect to be on the trail for 9  hours.

Here is a link to the route: https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=14.5/-121.6424/48.9722&pubLink=P38U3rB08Ac7vakBa4ntRXVd&trackId=34f6e0fd-d3ab-4e15-a0d4-75bdda477134

This is the second of three hikes I am offering in the area. I will be staying nearby. There are lodging options in the towns of Glacier, WA and Maple Falls, WA. Camping is usually booked at the forest service campgrounds (Douglas Fir and Silver Fir). There are dispersed campsites at the end of the Hannegan Pass road and along the Canyon Creek Road. Twin Lakes is an amazing camp option but requires a *very* high clearance vehicle.

Wednesday, August 6: Lake Ann/Curtis Glacier
Thursday, August 7: High/Low Pass via Twin Lakes
Friday, August 8: Ptarmigan Ridge/Chain Lakes loop

We will meet at the Shuksan Picnic Area, which is on the North Fork Nooksack River immediately after the Hannegan Pass Road turnoff from the Mount Baker Hwy. We will consolidate cars here since the Yellow Aster Butte trailhead is often crowded.

NEW TIME! Please be there at 9:00 am ready to go. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dp8FyYreM2TfvPhi6

We will drive as a group to the Yellow Aster Butte trailhead, where we will begin our road walk to Twin Lakes. There are a couple of rocky washouts just before the trailhead where a high clearance vehicle could be beneficial.

Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required. Privy at the Picnic area and at Yellow Aster Butte trailhead.