Chain Lakes Loop view Iceberg Lake & Mt Baker

@jesseroos

Washington

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Mount Baker

This Eden-esque trail in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has it all — pristine alpine lakes, wildflowers in mid-summer, delicious wild huckleberries in late-summer, and vibrant fall color in autumn, all with spectacular, towering views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan ever present in the distance. Offering massive payoff for a relatively moderate amount of effort, this trail is one of the best hiking loops in Washington.

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Moderate

Accessbility

Public Location

Hours

Anytime

Fee

$5/car National Forest Recreation Day Pass

Pack

Multiple lenses (24mm)
Tripod
Backpack
Hiking shoes
Water
Snacks
Headlamp

How to get there

N48° 51' 29.3184"W121° 42' 35.3196"

This photo of Chain Lakes Loop was taken atop of Herman Saddle looking down toward Iceberg Lake. The 10,871 ft. Mt. Baker is in the background. If you reference the GPS coordinates, you should be able to find the vantage point from to this viewpoint very easily. I positioned my model facing southwest towards the lake. Please ensure you and your subject stay on the trail and be very cautious to not tread on any plant life while getting your shot. Trailhead Coordinates: 48.8469, -121.6925 Trail Length: 6.5 mi Elevation Gain: 1,820 ft. To get here, travel east to the end of Mt. Baker Highway SR 542 and follow the signs to the upper parking lot at Bagley Lakes/Chain Lakes trailhead. It's north up the road from the Artist Point parking lot, which will be where the hiking loop ends. You'll have to walk back to your car from Artist Point. You can also opt to do the loop backwards and start at Artist Point, but I prefer starting at Bagley/Chain Lakes.