Trip
Backpack - Chain Lakes Loop
Enjoy blazing fall colors and big views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan on a moderate loop trip out of Artist Point.
Contacts
- Sat, Oct 2, 2021 — Sun, Oct 3, 2021
- Foothills Backpacking Committee
- Backpacking
- Adults
- Moderate
- Moderate
- Mileage: 14.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 4,500 ft
- High Point Elevation: 5,950 ft
- Pace: 1.5-2.0 mph
- 2 (6 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
We will meet at the Artist Point trailhead parking lot (https://goo.gl/maps/UmuryN2516GKV3Cp9) on Saturday Oct 2nd at 10am.
Drivers will need a Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass.
Directions to the trailhead: From Bellingham (exit 255 on I-5), head east on the Mount Baker Highway (WA-542) for 34 miles to the Glacier Public Service Center. Continue another 25 miles to the road's end at the mega parking lot for Artist Point. Privy available.
We’ll be combining two different hikes - Chain Lakes Loop (https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/chain-lakes-3) and Ptarmigan Ridge (https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/ptarmigan-ridge) - to give ourselves a weekend of great mountain views, vibrant fall colors, and some exercise and altitude!
On Saturday, we’ll start at the Artist Point trailhead and take the Chain Lakes Loop trail clockwise to Mazama Lake. We'll set up camp at Mazama Lake, have lunch, and then head out for a day hike on the Ptarmigan Ridge trail. We’ll follow the Ptarmigan Ridge trail for approximately 3.4 miles and then turn around and hike back to Mazama Lake. Day totals: 8.7 miles, 2500 ft of gain.
On Sunday, we'll continue clockwise along the Chain Lakes Loop trail, taking in the views from Herman Saddle and exploring the area around Lower Bagley Lake. We'll finish the day with a 700 ft ascent from Upper Bagley Lake to the Artist Point trailhead. Day totals: 5.3 miles, 2000 ft of gain.
NOTE: The trip leader will be camping at Mazama Lake Friday night. Any trip participants interested in turning this into a 3 day / 2 night trip can meet the trip leader at the trailhead on Friday afternoon (time TBD, but approx 4-5pm).
Route details:
Weather can be highly variable at this time of year. Expect daytime temperatures in the 40s/50s, nighttime temperatures in the 30s/40s, and the possibility of rain or snow. This trip will be an opportunity to put your cold weather gear to use!
Bagley & Chain Lakes
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Green Trails Mount Baker Wilderness Climbing No. 13SX - See full route/place details.
Required Equipment
The Ten Essentials plus overnight gear which may include:
- Tent with footprint/ground tarp
- Stove and fuel
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Water filter
- Bear canister or extra stuff sack and cord designated for hanging food
- Cooking pot/pan with plate and utensils
- Toilet paper and shovel or blue bag to deal with waste