Distance
6.5 miles roundtrip
Trail Guide
Chain Lakes Loop
6.5 mi roundtrip · 1,600 ft gain · Moderate · Chain Lakes (Table Mountain area)
Trail Stats
Elevation Gain
1,600 ft
Highest Point
5,400 ft
Trailhead Elevation
5,100 ft
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Type
Loop
Features
Alpine lakes
Mount Baker views
Table Mountain views
Technical Notes
Beautiful loop trail passing several alpine lakes with views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. Can be hiked in either direction. Optional side trip to Table Mountain adds views. Snow on trail into August some years. Road to trailhead (SR-542) closes in winter. One of the best hikes in the North Cascades.
Getting There
Trailhead
Artist Point Trailhead
Artist Point, end of SR-542
Parking: ~80 spaces
From Seattle
135 mi · 175 min drive
I-5 North to Exit 255 (SR-542 East). Follow SR-542 East through Glacier all the way to the end at Artist Point. ~3 hours from Seattle. Road opens July through October typically.
Planning Details
Best Season
August through October
Dogs Allowed
Yes
Required Pass
Northwest Forest Pass
Annual: $30.00 · Day: $5.00
Mountain
Chain Lakes (Table Mountain area) · 5,200 ft · North Cascades
Avalanche Forecast
Check current avalanche conditions for the Chain Lakes (Table Mountain area) zone before your trip.
Ready to plan?
Get a full trip report with weather, gear, logistics, and an event draft.