Chain Lakes Loop

 

Ok, I really can’t get enough of the Mt. Baker area. Second time back in a couple of weeks. It was another sunny day today.

There are a few variations of this hike. We started at Artist Point, descended to Heather Meadows via the Wild Goose Trail and looped around Northern Bagley Lake, before starting our ascent up through Herman Saddle. 95 % of the hike was bug free (only some around Chain Lakes). Only very minor snow (almost not even worth mentioning). This hike is amazing as are most Mt. Baker area hikes – the views are non-stop ! This was a sunny Saturday and there were many people on the trail, but not so much that it deterred from our enjoyment. There was only some snow on the shore of Iceberg Lake – some of which apparently recently broke off and made icebergs (info from a camper at the lake). I definitely recommend this hike and I will go back for sure !

So, for this hike, you drive to Artist Point, which is paved the entire way.
Yeah ! No pot-holed forestry road !
The location of Artist Point is HERE

You will need a Northwest Forest Pass (one per car), which can be purchased in person at the Glacier Public Service Center at 10091 Mt. Baker Highway,Glacier, WA (Link to Map)

Or you can buy an epass in advance online at the Discover Your Northwest website

Border crossing tips: Bring passport, Nexus or enhanced ID !!; no fruit, no veges, no meat (this isn’t a complete list !); trailmix is ok. There is an IGA just across the border if you want to get some fruit or a sandwich for your hike.

A great resource for current conditions for this hike is the WTA website.
Check it OUT !!!

The trailhead for the Wild Goose Trail is just behind the washrooms.

Today’s stats:

Distance: 10.7 km
Time: 6 hours
Low point: 1259 m
High point: 1654 m
Elevation gain: 395 m
Cumulative Elevation gain: 725 m

The route…

The photos…

Shuskan from Herman Saddle
Shuskan from Herman Saddle
Switchbacks upto Herman Saddle
Switchbacks upto Herman Saddle
Wild Goose Trail to Bagley Lakes
Wild Goose Trail to Bagley Lakes



Dead Tree
Dead Tree
Hayes Lake
Hayes Lake
Mt. Baker and Iceberg Lake
Mt. Baker and Iceberg Lake
Mt. Baker
Mt. Baker
Northern Bagley Lake through wild flowers
Northern Bagley Lake through wild flowers



Reflection in Lake
Reflection in Lake
Shuskan
Shuskan
Stream between Bagley Lakes
Stream between Bagley Lakes
Trail back to Artist Point
Trail back to Artist Point
Trail upto Herman Saddle
Trail upto Herman Saddle
Winding Road
Winding Road

★★★★★★★★★★★

Before heading out on your hike, make sure you are well prepared. This means, having the TEN ESSENTIALS. It is also important to leave a trip plan (route details and estimated return time) with someone you trust.

Bring your smartphone, fully charged and put it in airplane mode while hiking. I always bring back-up battery packs for extra piece of mind. It is highly recommended that you bring a GPS device; I use my smartphone with a GPS app (Backcountry Navigator). The GPS will work in airplane mode. Learn how to use it before your hike.

For anyone new to hiking, there is a rule to which hikers follow; it is called “Leave No Trace” or LNT. The concept is generally to pack out what you pack in and respect nature, so all future visitors can enjoy what you have enjoyed.
To learn more about LNT, please check out this BLOG by a certified LNT Trainer.

★★★★★★★★★★★

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