Chain Lakes loop & Table Mountain, USA
Details
Chain Lakes loop & Table Mountain
Difficult Hike
Join me to view Spring and its colourful presentation in outstanding Mount baker National Park, In the United States.
Washington trails Association provides the best description for chain Lakes loop (https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/chain-lakes-3). It describes the hike as: “This gorgeous loop hike has it all: big views of Mounts Baker and Shuksan, as well as the North Cascades, alpine lakes for swimming, and well-maintained trail winding through meadows and heather. And with wildflowers in spring, blueberry bushes for trail-side snacking in late summer and blazing color in the fall, you can't pick a bad season to visit.”
After finishing hiking beautiful Chain Lakes loop, we will arrive at the Artist Point Parking lot and start hiking Table Mountain. Same website describes Hiking Table Mountain as Steep and Challenging. When you have gained 400 feet to achieve the top of the rock, there is a short side trail to the right that provides an outstanding view overlooking Heather Meadows and its scenic lakes.
There is a limit, however, imposed by the US Forest services to keep the groups up to 12 people. Of course, if there are more than 12 people interested to join us, we can divide the numbers into 2 groups, subject to have volunteers to lead the additional groups.
Swimming would be possible during lunch break by the lake, weather dependent.
The trails surface is a combination of tree roots, outcrop, gravel and soil. Since portions of the trail are more technical than others, hikers recommend coming prepared with hiking boots, poles, enough water, and the trail maps downloaded in case folks accidentally head off trail when exploring some of the many viewpoints.
Difficulty, Distance, and Elevation:
Difficult, , 10 km trail (loop), 547 meters of elevation gain. Average time 4 hours to hike Chain Lakes loop and then 4.6 km and 211 meters of elevation gain to hike Table Mountain**. Total of 14.6 km and 758 meters of elevation gain.**
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/chain-lakes-loop-trail
&
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/alberta/table-mountain--2
Meeting At: I recommend arriving at the Sumas crossing no later than 7 AM. Then stop at Super-Duper Boomtown gas station (1015 Cherry St.), located immediately after border crossing, on the US side, and the right-hand side.
From this location, we will be driving to Mount Baker Highway (542) for about 30 miles to the Ranger Station at the Glacier Public Service Centre in the town of Glacier**, where we need to buy a $5 parking pass per car**. We will be continuing our journey toward Heather Meadows Visitor Centre for another 21 miles. Where we start our hike at 8:30 am.
NOTE: In case of any unexpected delay at the border, the duration of delay will be considered to adjust the start of hiking time.
Parking: Heather Meadows visitor Centre:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Heather+Meadows/@48.8634506,-121.6817967,17z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x5484f61611cc2cbd:0x3b91f0749422290b!2sHeather+Meadows!8m2!3d48.8631799!4d-121.6793076!16s%2Fg%2F1tvylg6s!3m5!1s0x5484f61611cc2cbd:0x3b91f0749422290b!8m2!3d48.8631799!4d-121.6793076!16s%2Fg%2F1tvylg6s?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQyMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
Transit: Carpooling. Please advise who can drive so attendees can contact you to arrange car poling. Standard carpooling fee is $8.00 per hour.
Recommended Hiking Clothing, Footwear and Gear:
- Hiking boots or Hiking Shoes, and Carry Micro Spikes.
- Small Daypack or Hiking backpack + 3 liters of water + Lunch + Snacks.
- Sweater or a hoodie
- Sunglasses and a Hat, Sunscreen if required (all optional)
- Gloves or Mittens
- Rain jacket (optional: if the sky is overcast or raining)
- Bathing suit and towel (optional: if the weather is good, we may go for a swim after the hike)
- 10 Essentials
Please do not forget your passport. Attendees are responsible to ensure they have no entry restrictions to the United States.
Attendees who do have Canadian Passport and carry US entry Visa, are recommended to form a different carpool, and arrive at the border by 6:30 AM.
LEGAL INFORMATION, LIABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
We are a group of volunteers. We are NOT a professional organization or pro trail guides and/or pro event organizers. We will, however, look out for each other. The organizer and any/all assistant organizers and other attendees are in no way responsible and liable for your personal safety and health state, before, during and at anytime after this event. Risks of attending hiking events include but are not limited to: getting lost; slipping and falling; snow and ice; extreme cold; extreme heat; dangerous animals; falling trees or brush; falling rocks or landslides; fire; flooding; bridge failure; unstable ground; and falling in fast moving water.
As a condition of your participation in the event, you assume all risk of personal injury, death or property loss resulting from any cause whatsoever including NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT OR BREACH OF ANY DUTY OF CARE ON THE PART OF THE HOST. You agree that the host shall not be liable for any personal injury, death or property loss and release the host from all liability and waive all claims with respect thereto.
Negligence includes failure on the part of the host to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from or warn you of the risks, dangers and hazards referred to above. You assume all cost of your own rescue or evacuation.
By RSVP'ing "Yes", for this event, you acknowledge that you fully understand and accept the aforementioned conditions and following event attendance conditions and, you are solely responsible for your own health, safety and well-being before, during and at anytime after the event as stated previously.
All attendees shall forever hold harmless the organizers and other attendees and unconditionally waive any liabilities resulting from attending and/or participating in this event.