The Chain Lakes Loop is ready for anyone--well, almost anyone. There's only a trace of snow in a spot or two, and poles were all we needed. No spikes, period. Ironically, one of these snow patches is right at the Artist Point TH, due to some not-so-careful snowplowing, according to an NPS staffer we ran into there. The snow plow piled up a giant bank of the stuff, covering the first few feet of the trail. There's a short, obvious workaround, but you'll want to watch your step.Other than that, perfect. Though short (6.2 miles or whatever), the Loop requires your attention--as does any hike. There are rocks to navigate, some narrow places, etc. Watch your step! One woman took a dangerous fall today. Her pole got stuck in the ground or between rocks or something, and as she was trying to pull it out, she lost her balance--and fell over a rock ledge and down about eight feet. She hit her head pretty seriously, it looked like.Luckily an ER doctor happened to be hiking on the trail at that very moment (!) and was able to come to her aid right away. I must say I was hugely impressed by the first response teams that arrived in good time: Summit to Sound Search and Rescue, Glacier WCFPD, Whatcom Fire, Mountain Search and Rescue. Super appreciative of their work, seeing them wheel and carry the gurney up-trail and work so well together. Anyway, the hike:
Gorgeous scenery from start to finish. We parked at the Bagley Lakes lot, then headed up the Wild Goose trail, choosing to do the loop clockwise. Wild Goose is pretty well signed, and there are also cairns near the very top. There are some great views when you turn around, of Mt. Shuksan and Canadian peaks to the north, as well as Bagley Lakes. There's a boatload of stairs after you leave the Austin Meadows area, but frankly, I'd rather go up than down, and you're hiking through meadow mostly, so . . . At the parking area for Artist Point, we headed towards the junction with Ptarmigan Ridge. (That same NPS guy said that the Ptramigan Ridge trail is looking pretty good, i.e., melting out enough for those of us who are not quite at the Sir Edmund Hillary level). The slope down towards the Chain Lakes was virtually snow free. And the views of Baker along that stretch are amazing. Wildflowers abounded here, lupine, lavender asters, rosy spirea and more. Mazama, Iceberg and Hayes lakes were all gorgeous. Lots of tents pitched at Hayes, people swimming in Iceberg. Just joyful all around. Hiking up the back/west side of Herman Saddle, there are terrific views above Iceberg Lake, and there is no snow near the top of the saddle. Great views from the top, of course, and many people just sitting up there and looking at the view. The way down to Bagley Lakes is long, but punctuated by more wildflowers--adding agoseris, monkey flowers, paintbrush and more.
There are a lot of hikers on this and the other Baker trails, but it feels good to see people out taking in the beauty, out in the mountains, being awed by what surrounds us. Especially at this particular time. Safe and happy hiking, Everyone!
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