- 100 Classic Hikes of Washington
Complete Hiking and Backpacking Guide for Chain Lakes Loop Trail
Are you seeking an unforgettable hiking adventure with breathtaking views and pristine alpine lakes? Look no further than the Chain Lakes Loop in the heart of the Mount Baker Wilderness.
This enchanting trail offers a combination of natural beauty, meandering through meadows, and opportunities for backpacking or day hiking near the majestic Mount Baker.
It was actually the first backpacking trip I took my sister on when she moved to Washington!
Let’s delve into what makes this hike a must-do in the Pacific Northwest. This guide includes everything you need to know about accessing the trailhead, hiking the trail or backpacking it, and since it is a classic hike, we will determine if it belongs on this prestigious list!
Just a heads up! This post may contain affiliate links which means I could earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks!
Whether you decide to hike or backpack Chain Lakes Loop, you’re absolutely making the right decision by just being on the trail. You can always come back to spend a night or two on the trail if you decide to day hike it!
Know Before You Go
Hiking the Chain Lakes Loop Trail does require a little advanced planning. Here’s what you need to know:
Where is Chain Lakes Loop?
The Chain Lakes Loop hike is located on the ancestral lands of the Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla, and Nooksack tribes. We are grateful for the stewards of this land, past and present. We are honored to be and recognize that we are guests on this land.
Trail Details
Region: North Cascades – Mount Baker
Distance: 6.2 miles
Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,800 ft
Time: 4 hours +
When to go: Late July – Oct.
Pass/Permit?: Northwest Forest Pass
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Getting to the Trail
To get to the trailhead from the south, head north of Interstate 5 and take exit 255 onto WA-542 E/Mount Baker Highway. Continue on the Mount Baker Highway until the road ends. You’ve reached Artist Point!
Trailhead Facilities
There are two main places where a hiker can begin this trail: the Artist Point Parking Lot or the Heather Meadows Visitor Center. I am partial to beginning at Artist Point to get the initial steep descent along the Wild Goose Trail out of the way.
The Wild Goose Trail is 1.2 miles in distance and 1,000 feet of elevation that connects the Heather Meadows Parking Lot to the Artist Point Parking lot. It is still a part of Chain Lakes Loop but a challenging section.
The trailhead has a large parking lot which fills up by 8am on the weekend during the summer months. There is a toilet facility which features pit toilets and hand sanitizer.
There are garbage cans as well.
Season to Visit
The season for visiting Chain Lakes is extremely short. Due to the high elevation, the road to the trailhead never clears of snow because the snow is present so late in the summer and begins again in early fall.
The road to the trailhead last year was open for only 4 months.
If this trail is on your to-do list, complete it in late summer. That is the sweet spot for missing snow. In Late June, it is likely that the road to Artist Point will not be clear of snow.
Passes/Permits
The trail is located in the Mount Baker Wilderness Area, which is a designated National Forest…I know I was also surprised to find out it was not a National Park.
BUT you will still need a Northwest Forest Pass. Northwest Forest Passes cost $30 a year and grant access to all National Forests in Washington and Oregon for a year. You can purchase one here!
If you frequent National Parks more than THREE times a year, I would suggest purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass, which grants unlimited access to National Parks AND Forests for an entire year. The cost is $80 which pays for three visits to National Parks in a year. An America the Beautiful pass works in National Parks and Forests.
If you would like to purchase an America the Beautiful Pass, you can purchase one here!
The best advice I can give you for preparing to hike Chain Lakes is to call the ranger station to check the road and trail status, especially during shoulder seasons.
Hiking Chain Lakes Loop
There is a reason the Chain Lakes Loop Trail is considered one of the best hikes near Mount Baker: it has it all, from panoramic views of Mount Baker and Table Mountain to the best views of Mount Shuksan.
Many people opt to park at Artist Point, but you do have the option to park at Heather Meadows if you choose to; the Wild Goose section of the trail bridges the gap between the two parking lots.
Check Out Another Favorite Hike in Mount Baker: Lake Ann
Beginning at Artist Point
Hiking counter-clockwise, you will tackle the Wild Goose section first, which climbs down steep switchbacks towards the Heather Meadows Visitors Center.
I personally prefer this option because climbing up the Wild Goose Trail at the end of the hike is BRUTAL.
Before elevation gain begins, the trail leads you along Bagley Lakes and a boulder field. The switchbacks have a moderate grade and lead to the top of Herman Saddle, which overlooks the surrounding area.
When you reach Herman Saddle, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, and the North Cascades.
Chain Lakes
From Herman Saddle, the trail leads you to Hayes Lake through idyllic meadows, heather, and blueberry bushes. Here, you’ll find amazing options for lakeside rest, swimming, and even campsites…if you’re spending the night.
As you continue along the path, you will go past Iceberg Lake and Mazama Lake, which offer a glimpse of the region’s natural beauty at every turn.
On a warm day, you will find plenty of people jumping into the cool water of the different lakes.
Hiking out of the Basin
The hike out of the basin is relatively straightforward and the skyline is dominated by Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. There is a short section of gradual elevation gain where the trail meets up with the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail.
The final stretch of trail leading to Artist’s Point is stunning.
Backpacking Chain Lakes Loop
Here are some commonly asked questions about backpacking Chain Lakes Loop:
Do you need a permit to backpack Chain Lakes Loop?
You do not need a backcountry permit for camping overnight at Chain Lakes Loop. Leave your America the Beautiful or National Forest Pass in your windshield and you’re good!
Where can I camp along the Chain Lakes Loop?
Camp at the designated campsites located at Mazama Lake and Hayes Lakes only.
Find a camp spot that is 200 feet from all water sources and is already an established backcountry camp. This ensures you have the smallest impact on the surrounding area.
Is there a toilet on the trail?
There is a pit toilet located between Iceberg and Hayes Lake. If you use this toilet you are required to pack out your wipes or toilet paper. Otherwise you should bury your solid waste 200 ft from the closest water source.
Can I have a campfire?
No! There are no fires allowed in this area except for a self-contained cooking stove.
Are there bears in the area?
Yes, so all food and scented items need to be stored in a bear-safe food container. Learn more about bear safety and bears in the North Cascades with this guide.
New to backpacking? Check out what to pack here!
This is a fantastic beginner backpacking trip. If you’re new to backpacking and are not sure what to bring, here is a guide with save and splurge items!
Should Chain Lakes Loop be a 100 Classic Hike?
I am hiking all “100 Classic Hikes of Washington”. But the question is, Should Chain Lakes Loop Trail be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington?
Chain Lakes Loop is a moderate loop trail that offers hikers a glimpse at everything Washington has to offer: mountains, alpine meadows, lakes, stunning vistas, and gorgeous wildflowers. While accessible as a day hike and great for a beginner backpacking trip, Chain Lakes Loop should be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington. Do you agree?
Let me know in the comments if you think Chain Lakes Loop should be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington!
If you’d like to complete your own 100 Classic Hikes journey, you can purchase the book here.
Other Hikes in the Area
Mount Baker has some of my favorite hikes in Washington. It is widely considered one of the best places to go to see fall colors, so if you have the opportunity to visit in Early October, I highly recommend it. Be aware that you will likely come across lots of people, but it is not without great rewards.
Here are some of my favorite hikes in the area:
Lake Ann
Lake Ann is another phenomenal trail that you can complete as a day hike or an overnight. The ending Point brings you to the base of Mount Shuksan and the Lower Curtis Glacier.
For more information about hiking Lake Ann, check out this trail guide.
Ptarmigan Ridge
For incredible views along the entire route of your hike, check out Ptarmigan Ridge. This trail is perfect for day hikers looking for a longer trail with fewer people. This is a widely overlooked trail in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Bagley Lakes
The Bagley Lakes Trailhead begins in Heather Meadows at the Austin Pass Picnic Area. This short trail brings day hikers on a leisurely trek through heather meadows along Bagley Lakes and across a gorgeous stone bridge. It is perfect for small children and people looking for a short trail.
Pack It Up
The Chain Lakes Trail takes hikers past beautiful lakes, along steep cliffs, and up to gorgeous vistas. If you’re looking for a moderate trail with amazing views in Washington, this is it.
While the trail is considered one of the best fall hikes in Washington, you can’t go wrong hiking this trail anytime throughout the summer.
Have questions about Chain Lakes Loop or any of the nearby trails? Drop a comment below and I would be happy to help!
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
The Ultimate Washington Map
Endless adventures, all at your fingertips
If you’ve ever wished you could access my adventure journals to uncover notes about hundreds of Washington destinations, now’s your chance. I spend an entire year creating this interactive map to make adventure more accessible. You can sort, filter, and explore my notes on hundreds of trails, breweries, campgrounds, and more.
Have a question? Put it in a comment and I'll get back to ya!
Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
One Response
Chain lakes loop is an amazing hike!! Thanks for sharing this information I’m really glad I had it before hiking.