Aug. 12 Chain Lakes hike

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 a well-maintained trail winding through meadows, rock slopes, and over cols. This is widely considered one of the most scenic hikes in all the Cascades, if not THE most scenic!

STAMINA ALERT: This is a moderate hike of 7 miles with 1,800 feet in elevation gain and a high point of 5,400 feet. We will be hiking at an average pace and you will need to be in decent hiking shape for this hike. We'll stop for photo, lunch, rest, and hydration breaks as desired. Hiking poles and good hiking boots are recommended - most of the trail is rocky.

We'll be hiking clock-wise this time, so we'll start our hike at the Artist Point parking lot. We'll hit the trail there and end at the Heather Meadows visitor center/Bagley Lakes (where we may leave a car so we don't have to walk back uphill).

• Well behaved dogs on leash welcome.
• Bathrooms are available at trailhead.
• Northwest Forest Pass or Senior Pass required at parking area (WA Discovery Pass will not work).

The total time for this hike, including the drive to and from, is 8 hours but you should plan for 9 - 10 to allow for delays and/or food at Chair 9 on the way home.

Carpooling: Let's meet at the Lowes parking lot in Bellingham at 8:00 am near the KFC/A&W. We can carpool/caravan from this point. If you plan to drive directly to the trailhead, please leave a comment below so we don't wait for you.

• Driving Directions to Lowes in Bellingham: From I-5 take Exit 255 (Sunset Dr./Hwy. 542), turn east on Sunset Dr., and almost immediately turn right into Lowes. We'll meet in the Lowes parking lot near the KFC/A&W at 8:00am.
• Driving Directions to Trailhead: Drive east from Bellingham on the Mount Baker Highway (Hwy 542) for 57 miles to Artist Point. The carpool will arrive here about 10:00.

We will postpone this hike for heavy rain, high winds, or thunderstorms, so check this site the day before. We will not cancel for light rain or clouds. Please do not make plans for later in the day as we do not know exactly when we will return.

For more information, see:
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/chain-lakes-3
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/chain-lakes-loop-trail

Housekeeping:
You must sign-up and be on the “Going” list to participate.
If you sign-up for this event, out of respect for the group please make every effort to attend.
We will cancel for high winds or monsoon rains. We will hike sun, rain, snow, or sleet.
Please practice leave-no-trace. Hope to see you on this hike!

Disclaimer: We are not professional hiking guides or medical professionals. You alone are 100% responsible for your own comfort and safety. By attending this hike you agree to these terms and do not hold hike organizer(s) liable for injuries and/or medical issues during or after this event.