Chain Lakes Loop

This loop romps through lake basins, zips across rocky slopes, showcases massive glacier-covered volcanoes and leads up to lofty viewpoints. Long popular with backpackers and climbers, this area has plenty of lakeside campsites, lonely viewpoints, and wildflower dotted greenery to explore.

Begin from the Artist Point parking area, head toward whitecapped Mt. Baker along Chain Lakes Trail #682. Make sure to avoid the Table Mountain Trail #681 which also begins from the parking area. Instead, traverse the treeless slopes beneath Table Mountain, cutting through talus fields and intermittent meadows. Below the Swift Creek Valley spreads out, with Baker Lake shimmering in the distance.

There's a lot more to Chain Lakes Loop, and you can learn all about it in Washington Wildflower Hikes: 50 Destinations. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!