Chain Lakes Loop — Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

We hiked the recommended counter-clockwise from Artist Point and down the wild goose trail first.  We left the parking lot at 6pm and got back at 8:45.  I was hoping to make it out by dark but we ended up using a headlamp for the last 20 minutes.  If you are timing this hike similarly, this direction is a must.  Hiking out on the flat (albeit on a steep cut) was the way to go.  If someone in your group doesn’t want to hike this whole route, have them drop you off at Artist Point, go the clockwise direction, and have them meet you at the Bagley Lakes Trail.  This removes the worst of the steep stuff.   I am not surprised this is such a popular hike!  We only passed people around bagley lakes and had the rest of the trail to ourselves.  Hiking in the evening does provide solitude.