Chain Lakes Loop

Beyond Buntzen, Mt. Baker

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!

Chain Lakes Loop: Trail Conditions & Weather
Check current park advisories, road access, and weather before heading out.
📍 Get Driving Directions ↗

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

Permits & Border Crossing

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 your passport, Nexus, or enhanced ID. No fruit, no vegetables, no meat (this isn’t a complete list). Trail mix is okay.

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

Interesting Facts

  • This entire hike sits within the subalpine zone of the North Cascades, generally defined as the band between about 1,200 and 2,100 m elevation, which lines up closely with this trail’s range of 1,259 to 1,654 m
  • Some of the mountain hemlock trees in the Heather Meadows area are estimated to be around 900 years old, remarkably old for trees growing in such a harsh, high-elevation environment
  • The US Forest Service has run restoration projects in the Heather Meadows and Artist Point area to repair meadow damage caused by foot traffic, including installing low barriers to keep hikers from cutting across sensitive vegetation

Trail Stats

Today’s stats:

  • Distance: 10.7 km
  • Time: 6 hours
  • Low point: 1,259 m
  • High point: 1,654 m
  • Elevation gain: 395 m
  • Cumulative elevation gain: 725 m

The Route

The actual GPS track from this hike, drawn on the map below. Green marks the start/end point. Use the layer control in the top right to switch to a satellite view.

Photos

Mt. Shuksan from Herman Saddle
Mt. Shuksan from Herman Saddle
Switchbacks up to Herman Saddle
Switchbacks up to 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 wildflowers
Northern Bagley Lake through wildflowers
Reflection in lake
Reflection in lake
Mt. Shuksan
Mt. Shuksan
Stream between Bagley Lakes
Stream between Bagley Lakes
Trail back to Artist Point
Trail back to Artist Point
Trail up to Herman Saddle
Trail up to Herman Saddle
Winding road
Winding road
Conditions on this trail can change over time — trailheads move, access rules shift, and businesses close. This post reflects what I found when I did the hike.

Before You Hike

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 backup battery packs for extra peace 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 that hikers follow 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.