This is the second two day backpacking trip I've take to Chain Lakes and once again, did it counterclockwise from the Heather Meadows trailhead. It will take around 3.5 hours to get to the trail head from Seattle, and if you are staying overnight, plan for around a four hour hike to get to a campspot at Hayes Lake or Arbuthenet Lake (there are no official campsites at Iceberg Lake).
While we were a bit sad that the mountains were obstructed by clouds, and the mosquitos were in full force, the most troubling part of the trip was the number of folks who camped outside the designated campsites at lake side (on fragile terrain), as well as the amount of human waste/TP that was visible within close distance to the lakes. I hate to say it but I think this whole area should be under a permit system for overnight camping.
The good news is that this makes a great day hike, and both the environment and views are spectacular on a clear day.
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