Yellow Aster Butte

Nick and I were determined to get at least one back packing trip in this summer, so when we found a weekend that worked, the obvious destination was to Yellow Aster Butte. The view from the top is beyond-words remarkable. It is expansive, versitile and breath taking. But don't take my word for it...go check it out yourself!
The entire hike is 3.4 miles. The first mile and a half you are begging for the flat part. But it is shaded so at least there is some mercy. Beyond that is an exposed trial with a gradual climb. At about the 3 mile point, you turn the corner to see your destination: the actual butte to the right and vast meadows, interwined with tarns (glacial water ponds or lakes). Once at said destination the exploring is endless. Miles and miles of additional trails that wind amilessly and show you God's beauty. Seriously, there is not a bad view in the joint. Mt. Baker and Mt. Shucksan steal the show, but a 360 panaramic view of varying peaks that layer back hundreds of miles aren't too shabby themselves.
We decided to camp in the same location as we did 3 years ago when Nick surprised me with a candle lit propsal, a bohemian themed campsite and a gourmet dinner (all at 5,500 ft...not too bad). It was fun to re-live Nick's anticipation at certain points along the trailhead..was the plan going to work? Was I going to say yes? Was it going to be worth all the effort he put into this? Back then and 3 years later, he still says "Absolutley!" Lucky me.
We were blessed with amazing weather...warm enough to make the tarns feel like our own personal swimming pools. Not to mention unlimited blueberries to feast on! Charlotte of course dug the trip and did an amazing job off leash the entire time. She was born for the outdoors; the perfect dog for the Vanns!