Mt Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest · WA

Chain Lakes Loop

Hard · Day hike · Best in Summer, Fall

Length

7 mi

Gain

1,900 ft

Scenery

★★★★★

About this trail

Mt Baker on one side, Mt Shuksan on the other, and a string of four alpine lakes between them — heathered ridges, blueberry slopes, and one of the densest mountain views in the Cascades.

Visiting from out of town? We can build a multi-day trip around Mt Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest for you →

Highlights

Mt Baker + Mt Shuksan in one frame
Four alpine lakes
Heather meadows turn red in late September

Get there

Start: Artist Point · 48.8467, -121.6918

Open driving directions in Google Maps →

Parking: Artist Point lot at the end of Highway 542 (Mt Baker Highway). Free. Snowbound until mid-July most years; lot opens late July–Sept.

Plan your visit on the interactive map

See Chain Lakes Loop on the live Trailspark map alongside weather averages, gear lists, an elevation profile, and nearby points of interest.

Open Chain Lakes Loop on the map →