Chain Lakes Loop
North Cascades
As of mid-September 2025, the Chain Lakes Loop trail was reported in good condition with no significant snow or major obstacles. Parking at Heather Meadows Visitor Center and Artist Point was busy, with some opting for roadside parking. Hikers enjoyed blue skies and starting fall colors, with berries still available. Wildlife, including Pika and chipmunks, was observed. While generally well-maintained, one report noted the rocky sections might be challenging for small children, recommending trekking poles. The trail offered stunning views of Mount Baker and Shuksan.
generated from 39 reports
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Lots of people but plenty of space. Saw lots of Pika and chipmunks.
We were fortunate to be able to get out for a mid week loop around Chain Lakes and avoid the weekend crowds. We started at the Heather Meadows Visitor Center parking lot and went clockwise, starting w...
Beautiful hike as always. It was sunny, breezy, and smoke free today in the area, with a few amazing lenticular clouds floating around.Many people, not many wildlife encounters. A few American Dippers...
We did a three day backpacking trip with our two children 4 and 8. The trail was in decent condition, but I don’t think this was the best trip for small children due to the rocky nature and we had to ...
Beautiful hike. I hiked from Artist point parking lot over the road to Begley lake, then up and over the mountains to Chain lakes. The weather was perfect!
We started at 11am at the Austin Pass / Heather Meadows Visitor Center and went counter-clockwise. Yesterday was foggy and we saw virtually nothing, we camped down the road and came back today. It was...
Trails were well maintained, a couple areas of trail erosion from folks cutting corners on switchbacks overlooking Bagley Lakes, on the route west, up towards Hermann's Saddle, but otherwise good cond...
stunning views even with a bit of smoke from the fires. I got to the Heather Meadows visitor center around 11 o’clock and there are a lot of parking. I decided to start counterclockwise direction and ...
Smoky but gorgeous overnight. Hiked the recommended route CCW from Artist Point. Trails all in great condition, and passed WTA crews clearing overgrowth at several points along Upper Bagley Lake—thank...
This hike has spectacular scenery, but the exposure on a hot day. OMG!Forecast was for mid 70s. At 2:30ish my phone was showing 87 and my car in the parking lot when we finally finished was showing 83...
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