Chain Lakes and Wild Goose Trails Loop
From the Heather Meadows area, this loop first drops toward Bagley Dam and the open basin of Bagley Lakes, where Bagley Creek, subalpine meadows, heather, and the slopes of Table Mountain and Mount Herman shape the approach to the Chain Lakes Trail. The setting is one of the signature hiking areas of the upper Mount Baker Scenic Byway, known for subalpine lakes, flowering meadows, and changing views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan.
The route then moves deeper into the Chain Lakes basin, passing lake shores and rocky alpine terrain around Iceberg Lake and Mazama Lake, with broad mountain views opening toward Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, Table Mountain, Mount Herman, and the surrounding North Cascades. This central section gives the loop its classic character: clear lakes, heather benches, talus, lingering snowfields, and open high-country scenery.
The return follows the Wild Goose Trail, which links the higher trail system back through Terminal Lake, Austin Pass, and the wider Heather Meadows area. The final stretch brings together lakeside wetlands, stream corridors, picnic areas, forest edges, and interpretive alpine scenery before closing the loop near the starting point.
#Hiking #Loop #Lake #Nature #Mountain #River #Forest #Wilderness #Meadow #Glacier #Creek #Alpine
- Distance: 12.5 Km
- Elevation gain: 623 m
- Maximum elevation: 1,666 m
- Elevation loss: 622 m
- Minimum elevation: 1,284 m
- Moving time: 4 h 22 m
- Moving speed: 2.8 Km/h
- Maximum speed: 5.9 Km/h
- Total time: 7 h 16 m
- Global speed: 1.7 Km/h
Interactive trail map
Trail profile
- Distance: 12.5 Km
- Elevation gain: 623 m
- Maximum elevation: 1,666 m
- Elevation loss: 622 m
- Minimum elevation: 1,284 m
- Moving time: 4 h 22 m
- Moving speed: 2.8 Km/h
- Maximum speed: 5.9 Km/h
- Total time: 7 h 16 m
- Global speed: 1.7 Km/h
About this trail
Name: Chain Lakes and Wild Goose Trails Loop trail, distance, elevation, map, profile, GPS track
Coordinates: 48.84334 -121.72240 48.86180 -121.68229
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Chain Lakes Trail in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
United States > Washington > Whatcom County
The Chain Lakes Trail in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest offers a remarkable alpine experience with stunning views of towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and wildflower-filled meadows. Hikers will be treated to panoramic vistas of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan while passing by serene lakes such as…
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