Chain Lakes Loop

Oct. 19, 2023 - Mt. Baker Wilderness

Stats: 11.15 km / 588m gain / 1651m high point / 3:35 hours MT

I was surprised to see 16 people show up for this mixed-bag-of-weather day. The forecast called for sun in the morning and some showers in the afternoon. But the first half hour on the trail it poured! Even back at the border, the guard asked why so many people were go hiking this day?

Thankfully the trail was snow-free and we had no need of our micro-spikes.

We parked at the Austin Pass Picnic area, in the higher parking lot by the trailhead, doing the loop clock-wise. This got the steeper part of the climb done first, and left just a 15-minute climb for the end of the day. It also kept us warm in the cold wet morning air. We were looking down on Upper Bagley Lake (1311m) as we gained height quickly.

A pit stop at the Artists Point parking lot and then we continued along the left side of Table Mt.

Sheesh! This was not in the forecast.

west

Just as I was thinking I wouldn't get any photos ops on this hike, not only did the sun pop out but a broad vibrant rainbow graced the sky! This happened shortly after we turned right at the Ptarmegan Ridge / Chain Lakes junction. The sun continued to constantly tease us until the next col, playing a cat & mouse game with the clouds.

A gradual drop brought us to the first of five lakes.

Table Mt.

Mazama Lake - the short trail going along the left side of the lake leads to some campsites.

Iceberg Lake is the largest of the chain.

Hayes Lake (1463m)

We had lunch here.

Group shot: me, Iraj F, Lorenz B, Patrick R, Case T, David G, Paul L, Jaco N, Lucy S, Sonia J, Elizabeth B, Heather F, Helen X (new), John McL, holding flag: Maureen S + Sheri K