Backpack Chain Lakes Loop at Mount Baker

Chain Lakes Loop is easily the best backpacking trail to do in the Mount Baker Wilderness. For good reason, its extremely beautiful but it’s also a very popular trail. Even hiking this trail in the daytime during the week in the summertime it can be quite busy, which is why proper planning is essential.

It is easy to see why this trail is popular, the entire hike has views of Mount Shuskan, Table Mountain, Mount Baker, and Mount Herman. Not only that, the trail takes hikers past 4 alpine lakes. The alpine lakes are wonderful places to swim and fish in the summertime!

Backpacking is a way to enjoy this place with less people as hikers usually clear out late afternoon, but this is a great day hike as well.

On this blog post, I will cover what to expect on backpacking Chain Lakes Loop in Washington, and how to plan and prepare.

Located at the famous Artist Point area of Mount Baker Wilderness, the summer is a great time to visit this iconic spot. In the winter, Artist Point is completely covered in snow, but in summertime you can drive to the parking lot which is a place to start your hike.

From Seattle: 2 hours and 45 minutes

From Portland: 5 hours and 36 minutes

There are two parking lots to park at where you can start the day hike or hiking trail from. In my opinion, the Artist Point parking lot is the best place to hike from, and doing the hike counter-clockwise. If you do the hike this way, your able to get all of the elevation out of the way in the beginning.

Another option is to park at Picture Lake and start your hike from there. Doing this you avoid going downhill in elevation right away. This can totally be skipped because it does hike right past the road and in my opinion, wouldn’t be a bad way to exit the trail.

You do not need a permit to do this hike, however you do need the Northwest Forest Pass at the parking lot. Be sure to acquire this before going out as they aren’t sold in the area.

Pro-tip: the road to Artist Point typically closes mid-October for the winter season so keep that in mind.

Not only is this a wonderful backpacking trip, this is a stunning day hike as well. When we did this hike, it was on a weekday in late August and it was still quite busy with day hikers. However, we did not have any issue finding a campsite. I do think this trail could benefit from permitting and I could see it going that direction with the amount of use the trail sees every summer.

Because of the business of this trail, keep in mind that hikers going uphill have the right away. If your coming downhill, safely step aside so uphill hikers can pass. Do not stand on wildflower patches and fragile meadows.

We ran into some friends on this trail who hiked clockwise from Artist Point straight to Hayes Lake instead of completing the loop. This is a great out-and-back option if your looking for a quick overnight or less milage overall. If you have never done the trail, I suggest completing the loop.

Length: 6.2 miles round trip

Elevation gain: 1,794 feet of elevation gain

Dogs: allowed

Permit: no permit necessary. Just a Northwest Forest Pass for the parking lot.

Droning is not allowed here.

It is important to follow Leave No Trace principles when visiting sensitive areas like this, so lets revisit that. Keep in mind just because you may have seen somebody else on social media have their tent set up in a certain spot, does not mean its right. If you see somebody doing something that is incorrect, it’s a great moment for a gentle reminder for what to do.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: know the regulations, prepare for extreme weather, emergencies and hazards. I always get in touch with the rangers first to know before I go what to expect and check for closures such as wildfires.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: always camp at designated campsites. These are marked on the All Trails map and are visible when you hike for a campsite. If all are taken, do not camp on meadows and grassy areas. Hike on the trail, and don’t hike off the designated trail.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly: pack it in, and pack it out. There are pit toilets along the trail that can be used to go #2, so always use the pit toilets.
4. Leave What You Find: do not take rocks, wildflowers, or non-native species from the trail.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts: campfires are not allowed on this trail.
6. Respect Wildlife: keep safe distance from wildlife. If your fishing here, abide by permitting for fishing in the backcountry.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: respect others time outside. Don’t be blasting a bluetooth speaker as your hiking. Move aside for uphill hikers. Do not litter!!

Overall, this backpacking trip was perfect for an overnighter. I don’t see why staying any longer than that would be necessary. This trail has been on my list for years, and I’m glad that I did it. However, it was quite busy and I do believe it can benefit from permitting.

Happy hiking!