Chain Lakes Trail 682
A series of sub-alpine lakes, flowering meadows and constantly changing views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan distinguish the Chain Lakes Trail as one of the premier attractions in Heather Meadows, located along the upper reaches of the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway, State Route 542. There are multiple start locations: the Bagley Lakes Trailhead (elevation 4200') which is accessible year-round, the Austin Pass Picnic Area or Heather Meadows Visitor Center (elevation 4400'), or Artist Point Trailhead (elevation 5160'). The trail is a point-to-point from Bagley Lakes trailhead to Artist Point and can be made a loop using the Wild Goose Trail 684.3. The most popular loop is to park at the Visitor Center or Picnic Area which makes the hike about 6 miles with a total elevation gain and loss of 1700'. From Artist Point to Iceberg Lake, returning the same way is 5 miles with 700 feet of elevation gain and loss.
Description from Artist Point: The trail heads west from the Artist Point parking lot, skirting the lava walls of Table Mountain. At about one mile, the trail reaches a junction. A left turn leads to the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail 682.1. Follow the trail to the right, which drops to Mazama Lake, the first of the Chain Lakes. Four campsites and a backcountry toilet are located here. In another quarter of a mile, look for frosty chunks of ice in the aptly named Iceberg Lake. The Galena Camp junction and another backcountry toilet are located between Iceberg and Hayes Lakes. Four more camps and one backcountry toilet are situated around Hayes Lake. No trail circles the lakes. After climbing to Herman Saddle, the trail drops to Bagley Lakes and a signed junction. Continue straight ahead to the Bagley Lakes Trailhead (Mt. Baker Ski Area parking lot) or return to Artist Point past the Heather Meadows Visitor Center via the Wild Goose Trail. The Wild Goose Trail takes off to the right, gaining 1,200 feet in the final mile to Artist Point.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
Snow can linger on slopes into mid-August. Poles are recommended and route finding may be necessary. Winter users need to be prepared to travel through avalanche terrain.
• Green Trails: Mt. Shusksan #14 and Mt. Baker Wilderness 13SX
• USGS: Shuksan Arm
• USFS: Mt. Baker Ranger District and Mt. Baker Wilderness
Summer - Fall
A valid Recreation Pass must be displayed in vehicles at all trailheads that access the Chain Lakes Trail. Washington State Discover Pass is not valid at US Fee Sites.
There is no permit required for hiking or camping but a valid Recreation Pass must be displayed in vehicles at all trailheads that access the Chain Lakes Trail. Please note that the Washington State Discover Pass is not accepted at Forest Service fee sites.
No potable water. Water is available intermittently from trailside lakes. Treat all water before drinking.
Hikers only. Overnight visitors must camp at designated campsites, located at Mazama and Hayes Lakes. Camps are marked with posts. No fires, except self-contained, carry-in stoves. No snowmobiles. Dogs must be leashed within the developed recreation area of Heather Meadows. Wilderness regulations apply, including a maximum party size of 12. Fishing requires a Washington State Fishing License.
It is required to keep food and scented items secure from wildlife by keeping a clean camp and store those items in your vehicle or use a product approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee such as an ursack or wildlife resistant storage canister. You can also hang food and scented items at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the trunk and all branches.
Address: 10091 Mt. Baker Highway Glacier, WA 98244
Phone: (360) 599-2714
Hours: All passes and permits available at this location. Friday-Sunday 8 - 4:30, Monday-Thursday CLOSED. Seasonal hour change: Saturday and Sunday only, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. after 9/28. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Trailhead/Starting Points
Parking
Parking is available at Bagley Lakes Trailhead (elevation 4200') which is accessible year-round, the Austin Pass Picnic Area or Heather Meadows Visitor Center (elevation 4400'), or Artist Point Trailhead (elevation 5160').
Directions
Travel east to the end of Mt. Baker Highway SR 542. It is approximately 24 miles from the Glacier Public Service Center to the Artist Point parking lot. Reach the trail from the western side of the parking lot, opposite the bathrooms. Alternate trail access is located at the Bagley Lakes Trailhead and the Heather Meadows Visitor Center.
