Chain Lakes Loop — Mt. Baker Wilderness

I have always wanted to explore more of the Mt. Baker Wilderness. Even though I completed my undergrad at Western Washington University, I did not get out to Mt. Baker enough and am trying to make up for that now.

For my birthday weekend, my boyfriend and I decided to do Chain Lakes Loop as an overnight backpacking trip. We arrived at the Artist Point trailhead around 11am and saw many other people with backpacking packs, even with the heavy fog and potential for rain in the evening. Unfortunately we did not get to see the spectacular views that I have heard so much about, but the fog still gave the landscape its own mysterious and surreal personality. I cherish nature no matter what the weather and always find beauty in what Mother Earth expresses.

Our plan was to camp next to Hayes Lake. The trail was in great condition throughout, and we passed through many rock fields abundant with pikas (my favorite animal). We found a perfect campsite right next to the lake and set up my tent before a light drizzle started. Blueberries were everywhere! We explored the surrounding area snacking all the way and admiring the incredible views around the lakes. As dinnertime neared, the rain set in. We cooked underneath a tree (I wish we had a tarp or awning) and hugged the food bag for warmth. I noticed ripples and movement in the nearby lake and noticed four river otters swimming together—I had no idea river otters lived at 5,000ft! We spent our evening playing Quiddler and reading.

The rain was consistent all night and the next day, so we decided to just eat Lärabars for breakfast instead of oatmeal with fresh blueberries and hike out before we got soaked…. Yet, we got soaked anyway. I will never forget my rain pants again. Even with the rain, the hike out was gorgeous. The trail was pretty empty, so we got to enjoy the environment in solitude. The rain brought out the early fall colors.

Once we reached the lower parking lot, we decided to ditch our packs by the shelter and hike the last mile to the car without them; we'd get them on the way down. This turned out to be an excellent decision because the stairs up would have been tricky with that much weight and the water on the trail.

While the trip was a wet one, I am very happy we completed it. Most people do this loop as a day hike (6.5 miles) but doing it as an overnight was very rewarding.