Chain Lakes Loop — Friday, Sep. 22, 2017

We did Chain Lakes loop as an overnight trip. 

Road: The road is paved and suitable for all vehicles. Definitely double check road conditions before heading out, however, as the Artist Point road was closed mid-October last year. You can check road conditions here - https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/mbs/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5150431&width=full and here - http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Northwest/Baker/ArtistPoint 

Trail: We chose the "alternate route", and started from the shared trailhead of Chain Lakes Loop and the Table Mountain trail. If you would like to do the other trail, by descending the Wild Goose Trail and visiting Bagley Lakes first, head towards Mt. Shuksan and the bathroom. The trailhead is behind the bathroom, and marked by a gigantic permanent cairn.

We really enjoyed the route we took, and did not find the trail to be too busy on a Friday afternoon. The views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan were incredible! The trail was mostly flat, with a little descension. We hiked past Mazama Lake and Iceberg Lake, and camped at Hayes Lake. According to the ranger we spoke with at the trailhead, there are 4 large campsites at Mazama Lake, with room for at least a couple tents at each site. Hayes Lake also has 4 campsites. See the map below. We only saw 2 other groups spending the night at Hayes Lake on Friday. Campsites are marked. On Friday there was a ranger hiking through checking to make sure people were camping in designated areas.

The next morning, we completed the loop by hiking up to Herman Saddle, and then down the trail to Bagley Lakes and the stone bridge, and then up the Wild Goose trail to the car. We arrived back at our car around 12pm on Saturday, and the parking lot was packed. 

Berries: The trail is loaded with huckleberries and wild blueberries right now! 

Overall, this was a fantastic trail that makes for a great day hike or an easy overnight.