While fall still is a great time to enjoy walking trails, Widner said this time of year it's essential that hikers check the forecast before heading out, and dress appropriately knowing the weather can turn nasty quickly.

The U.S. Forest Service recommends hikers carry the 10 essentials items when hiking: a map of the area, compass, first aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries and bulb, water and extra food, extra clothing including rain gear, pocket knife, sunglasses and sunscreen, matches in a waterproof container and a candle or other fire starter. Always let someone know where you are going hiking and when you plan to return home.

"This weekend actually looks like a great time to go fall hiking or backpacking," Widner said.

Some snow has fallen at higher elevations, Widner said, but it shouldn't deter determined hikers, even though they should look out for slippery spots and exercise caution when crossing fallen logs and damaged sections of trails.

"The snow that fell isn't considerable," Widner said. "It's not enough for people to break out their skis yet."

The road is closed near Artist Point, and parking passes no longer will be necessary at Heather Meadows, but all the facilities are closed.

HIKING AND HUNTING

A fatal shooting in Skagit County this summer may have some hikers worried about sharing the same outdoors with hunters. But the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife reminds people that fatal accidents involving non-hunters are extremely rare. The August incident that resulted in the death of a non-hunter marked the state's first in at least a quarter century. Eight other hunting-related fatalities in Washington over the past decade were all hunters.

With many hunting seasons already started or about to start, hikers should:

Wear bright clothing. Make yourself more visible. Choose colors that stand out, like bright blue or green, and avoid blacks, browns, earth-tones and animal-colored clothing.

Make noise. Whistle, sing or carry on a conversation as you walk to alert hunters of your presence. Sound carries well across mountain basins, and hunters should be listening for any sounds of animal movement.

Make yourself known. If you hear shooting, raise your voice and let hunters know you're in the vicinity.

Know when hunting seasons are. You can continue to hike, but keep aware of where hunting is taking place. Grouse and bear hunting season is typically through December. October is the high point of hunting season, including deer and elk. Hunting is not allowed in National Parks.

For a summary of big-game hunting seasons, visit Fish and Game's Web site.

RECOMMENDED HIKE

Yellow Aster Butte is a popular trail that falls in the "more difficult" range, but offers spectacular views of Mount Baker, Border Peaks, Mount Larabee and the western portion of the High Divide. Start on Tomyhoi Lake Trail (No. 686) as the trail switchbacks through avalanche chutes and thick brush. Then enter timber and continue gaining elevation until the trail breaks out to a flat bench in a meadow.

The junction with Yellow Aster Butte Trail (No. 686.1) is about 11/2 miles from the trailhead. Turn left at the junction and contour around the south side of Yellow Aster Butte. Length: 2.1 miles one-way (3.6 miles from Tomyhoi Trailhead). Elevation gain: 1,800 ft.

Trailhead Access: From the Glacier Public Service Center, follow the Mount Baker Highway 542 for 12 miles to Forest Service Road No. 3065 (Twin Lakes Road). The road is located on the left 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.

Check road and trail conditions before you hike.

MOUNT BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST

Web site: www.fs.fed.us

Phone: For trails accessed from Mount Baker Highway, call the Glacier Public Service Center at 599-2714 (open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Otherwise, call (360) 856-5700, ext. 515.

NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK

Web site: www.nps.gov

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