chain lakes loop

Wow, that really sums up the chain lakes hike. The only challenge is getting to it as the season is short. If possible go on a weekday as this stunning hike is a fan favorite. Don't expect the trail to be yours, just smile and be glad you live in a place where so many people enjoy the outdoors.

Wow, a truly gorgeous hike. Yes, there is elevation change (up and down and up and down!) and you do need to be in good physical condition. Hiking poles are very handy for this hike. Bring your camera because you are going to take MANY photos. This hike is well worth your time.

Park at the first large parking lot on your right after Picture Lake - not busy at all compared to Artist Point parking. Start at the Bagley Lakes trailhead on the left side of the parking lot. The views are breathtaking all the way through, especially at Bagley Lake, Herman Pass (with views of Mount Shuksan, Mount Baker and the lakes), Iceberg Lake, Table Mountain and the north cascade range. It is not an easy hike: first a nice and easy section to Bagley Lakes, then a long climb to Herman Pass, followed by an easy decent to Iceberg Lake, going around Table Mountain via gradual ups and downs towards Artist Point parking lot, and finally a steep 2.5 mile decent on the Wild Goose Trail from Artist Point back to the Bagley Lakes parking lot - a total distance of 9 miles. If you are weary of hurting your knees on the steep Wild Goose Trail, try to hitch a car ride from Artist Point. The Wild Goose Trail is across the road down from the Artist Point parking lot and is not easy to find - ask a ranger at Artist Point. You will not regret being on this loop - look at the photos! Of course you definitely want to plan your timing for this hike. The first section of the Wild Goose trail was still covered in snow and hard to follow when we went in the first week of August. You will need a pass (e.g. America the Beautiful) or pay a fee to park in this area (Heather Meadows).

Too much snow to do the hike we wanted even in July, but for a couple from Maui, it is quite a treat to be up there with all that snow, and beautiful blue skies. Head down slope to the reflective and beautiful lower lakes just off the visitors center for a great little hike!

We loved this hike. The entire 6.5 mile loop has great views every step of the way. Very little of the hike was in the trees. Iceberg and Hayes Lakes were very picturesque and different. Mountains galore in every direction. We started at Artist Point and finished at Heather Meadows. We were fortunate to get a ride back up to our car when finished the hike. We also hiked the Artist Point trail which was easy but was loaded with more scenery.

This is a very good day hike near the Mt. Baker Ski area. It is open from late July through October and has only moderate elevation gain. Lovely mountain views throughout the trip.

It's one of the prettiest hikes by Mount Baker and loops are always attractive. We usually try and find a way to get the car moved to the other parking lot after the hike, or switch keys with somebody on the trail. Amazing views of Mt Shuksan and Mt Baker that you will share with other hikers. Don't go looking to be alone here. It would be a rare day.

The trail can be done as a loop (using the Wild Goose trail to connect from start to finish), generally starting from either Artists point or Austin Pass. I travelled counterclockwise by parking at Artists point and using Wild Goose trail to start at Austin Pass. This is the more difficult of the directions. There is a significant uphill climb to Hermans Saddle then you drop down to the chain lakes. The entire trail is heaven. I've done it twice and loved every minute of it. Amazing views with every corner. You won't be disappointed. Please note that this trail requires a moderate fitness level to complete. It's quick rocky, so I recommend hiking boots to save your feet. Bring water. Outhouse bathrooms are at either end of the trail.

I believe the entire loop is about 6 or7 miles. Parts of the trail are very steep and exposed. parts can be hard to find depending on the season. Take plenty of water if doing in Summer. A marvelous trek over a lot of different kinds of terrain. Exhillerating & exhausting except for the well experienced.