State: Washington
Location: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Length, One-Way: 4 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 5200 feet
Elevation Change: 700 feet
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Moderate
Parking: Northwest Forest Pass is required at trailheads.
Washington winters can bring severe snowstorms
Trail Information
The hike on the High Pass Trail starts on the Winchester Mountain Trail (#685). Beginning the climb up the slope of Winchester Mountain, there is trail junction about 0.5 miles after leaving the trailhead. Take the right fork for the High Pass Trail #676. The left fork continues up to the Winchester Lookout.
The High Pass Trai traverses across an avalanche chute beneath Winchester Mountain. Then climbs first to Low Pass and then to High Pass. The remains of the old Gargett mine can be found near High Pass.
Directions
From Glacier:
Follow the Mt. Baker Highway 542 east for 12.0 miles to Forest Road 3065 (Twin Lakes Road). The road is located on the left just beyond the Department of Transportation’s Shuksan maintenance facility. Turn left on Twin Lakes Road and continue approximately 4.5 miles to the Tomyhoi Lake/Yellow Aster Butte Trailhead.
The remainder of the road beyond this trailhead is not maintained for passenger vehicles. Those persons with a four-wheel drive high clearance vehicles may be able to continue the remaining 2.0 miles to Twin Lakes. Check with the ranger station for road conditions before heading out. The trailhead is located between the two lakes.
