Tomyhoi Lake Trail #686

Trail Uses Hikers Length 4 miles one-way
Season of Use Summer/Fall Beginning Elevation 4200 feet
Visitor Use Heavy Elevation Gain/Loss +1800 feet to Gold Run Pass, -1700 feet to lake
Map(s) Green Trails: Mt. Baker #13
USGS: Mt. Baker, Bearpaw Mountain 		Level of Difficulty More Difficult

Trailhead Access:

From the Glacier Public Service Center, follow the Mt. Baker Highway 542 for 12 miles to Forest Service Road #3065 (Twin Lakes Road). The road is located on the left hand side of the highway 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.

Description, Attractions & Considerations:

The trail, which was built in the early 1900's by miners working for the Gold Run Mining Company, starts with switchbacks through avalanche chutes and thick brush. It then enters timber and continues climbing until the trail breaks out to a flat bench in a meadow. The junction with Yellow Aster Butte Trail #686.1is about 1.5 miles from the trailhead. Stay to the right at the junction and continue upward through the meadow to Gold Run Pass. The steep walled reddish peak north of the pass is Mt. Larrabee. American and Canadian Border Peaks are also visible. Beyond the pass, the trail quickly begins to lose elevation and reaches a meadowy bench known as Coyote Flats 0.5 mile below the pass. The trail continues to the lake, which is a popular fishing spot. A Washington State fishing license is required. Camping is available at the lake. Avalanche debris makes the last 100 yards of the trail to the lakeshore and camps hard to follow.

Caution: The north side of the pass can hold snow well into summer, creating dangerous conditions. Check with the ranger station for conditions before hiking.

The trail enters the Mt. Baker Wilderness, limiting party size to 12.

A Northwest Forest Pass is required for each vehicle parked at the trailhead.