Chain Lakes Trail

Chain Lakes Trail is a long-distance hike in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest built around a loop through multiple sub-alpine lakes and meadows, with continuously changing views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan.

Typical loop distance is about 6.5 miles with roughly 1,800 feet of elevation gain, usually completed in 3 to 4 hours for hikers who keep moving but still stop for the lake country.

Most starting points cluster along the Mount Baker Highway (SR 542): the Artist Point parking area and the Heather Meadows Visitor Center are the common options used to begin the loop.

The loop direction changes the feel of the climb. Counter-clockwise is a way to push the main uphill early (including the Herman Saddle climb) and then work downhill after the crest; clockwise spreads more of the work differently on the saddle approach.

Expect a steady mix of open sub-alpine terrain around the lakes and meadow sections tied to the loop’s lake-to-lake travel.

The trail’s high-elevation location limits the season; summer into early autumn (August through October) is when snow coverage is typically manageable compared with other times of year.

Parking requires a Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass displayed in the vehicle at the trailhead lots.

More information: Visitor information, Visitor information, The Chain Lakes Loop in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest