Went on a quick overnighter with my five year old son, starting from Artist Point, traveling clockwise, to Arbuthnet Lake, (just west of Hayes and Iceberg Lakes.) We hiked about 5-6 miles round trip
From Artist Point you’ll gain about 200ft in elevation in the first mile to the saddle where Ptarmigan Ridge Trail heads west. After that point, continuing to follow the Chain Lakes Trail, you’ll drop about 500-600ft down to Mazama Lake. Continue to follow the Chain Lakes trail for about half a mile, (with beautiful Iceberg Lake on your right) until reaching the turnoff for Hayes Lake. There are a number of nice campsites at or between Hayes and Arbuthnet Lakes. There was only one other small group camping here, they were at Hayes Lake. My son and I camped closer to Arbuthnet Lake.
The fall colors are past their peak but are still gorgeous! There are lots of ripe blueberries to be enjoyed, particularly closer to the lakes. The smokey air conditions Friday, gave way overnight to much clearer sunny skies Saturday. And as expected there were LOTS of people hiking and at Artist Point Saturday. (Friday afternoon the parking lot was only about half full. Saturday afternoon the lot was completely full.)
The trail was very dusty but still in good shape. The bugs were not an issue as long as you kept moving. No blowdowns, nor challenging stream crossings. Other than having to deal with LOTS of people on trail Saturday, the backpacking trip was a total success. I would recommend an overnighter at Hayes and Arbuthnet Lakes.
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