Whatcom County is built for adventure. The Chain Lakes Loop winds past mountain lakes so clear they mirror the sky, with jagged peaks rising above the trail.
Table Mountain lifts you to a summit where the horizon opens wide and the wind feels like part of the journey.
Chuckanut Ridge takes a different turn, leading through mossy forest before breaking into sudden views of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands.
Each path carries its own mood, yet together they show why this corner of Washington feels unforgettable with every step.
Chain Lakes Loop
Picture a necklace of lakes scattered beneath glaciated peaks, linked by a trail that rises and falls through heather meadows and rocky saddles. That’s the Chain Lakes Loop in the Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest.
It’s about 6.2 to 6.5 miles long with roughly 1,800 feet of elevation gain, topping out at around 5,400 feet near Herman Saddle. Most hikers finish in four to four and a half hours. The route is moderate to hard, but the views keep you moving.
Why It Stands Out
- Flexible starting points. Begin at Artist Point and take the steep Wild Goose Trail to Austin Pass, or start at Heather Meadows for a gentler approach.
- Lakes as milestones. Bagley Lakes, Iceberg Lake, Hayes Lake, and the Mazama Lakes each offer a different mood, from turquoise glacial water to rocky lunch spots.
- Big-name scenery. Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan loom large from Herman Saddle, offering some of the best mountain photography in the state.
Summer wildflowers, fall huckleberries, and year-round marmots add texture to the landscape.
Late July and early September 2025 trip reports praised clear skies and abundant berries, while others mentioned a two-car shuttle tactic to skip the last uphill push.
Getting There and Logistics
- From Bellingham: Drive east on State Route 542 for about 59 miles to Artist Point’s lot (around 160 spaces).
- Alternate parking: Heather Meadows or Bagley Lakes near the ski area shaves off a few miles.
- Pass required: A Northwest Forest Pass ($5 daily or $30 annually).
- Facilities: Vault toilets at trailheads; bring your own water.
- Coordinates for Artist Point: 48.8469 latitude, -121.6925 longitude.
Gear Checklist
| Item | Why It Matters |
| Sturdy boots | Rocky switchbacks and uneven surfaces |
| Trekking poles | Stability on descents |
| Layers | Alpine chill can drop to the 40s even in summer |
| Bug spray | Mosquitoes near lakes |
| Water shoes (optional) | For wading at Iceberg or Hayes Lake |
You can also add lightweight tactical pants with reinforced knees, as they give you extra pocket space and abrasion resistance on rough terrain.
You’ll also be pleased to know that the dogs are welcome if leashed, but consider the steep climbs and exposure. Overnight campers can use one of eight designated sites at Hayes and Mazama Lakes.
What You’ll See Along the Way
- Flora: Wildflowers in June and July, then blueberry bushes ripening in August and September.
- Fauna: Marmots, mountain goats on distant slopes, and birds of prey circling overhead.
- History: Indigenous peoples once traveled through this terrain seasonally. Modern recreation has layered new stories on top of old paths, especially since the ski area’s development in the 1960s.
The Chain Lakes Loop rewards curiosity. It’s not just about ticking off mileage but about noticing small shifts: a hidden tarn catching the light, a whistling marmot warning others of your approach, or the crunch of snow lingering in a shady section even in midsummer.
Table Mountain
If the Chain Lakes Loop feels like an extended alpine ramble, Table Mountain is more of a sprint to an edge.
It’s a short, intense trail, about 2.6 to 2.8 miles round-trip with 692 to 725 feet of elevation gain, that tops out at 5,700 feet. Most people finish in 1.5 to 2 hours. The terrain is exposed, and the switchbacks can test anyone with a fear of heights.
What Makes It Special
- Cliff-edge drama. The trail’s rim runs along sheer drops with sweeping views of Swift Creek and the Chain Lakes hundreds of feet below.
- 360-degree scenery. Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, Heather Meadows, and beyond.
- Photographer’s dream. Twin tarns at the summit mirror Mount Shuksan, a classic postcard image of the North Cascades.
Summer 2025 hikers reported a repaired rock slide section, dry footing, and golden light at sunset. One August hiker described a wedding photo shoot up top, underscoring the location’s popularity.
Getting There and Logistics
- Trailhead: Artist Point (same as Chain Lakes).
- Parking: Fills quickly; arrive early, ideally before 8 a.m.
- Pass: Northwest Forest Pass required.
- Facilities: Vault toilets but no water.
Gear and Safety Tips
| Item | Why It Matters |
| Trekking poles | Loose gravel and scree on descent |
| Layers | Winds can whip across the flat summit |
| Map or GPS | Small side trails lead to overlooks |
Dogs are not allowed to protect the fragile alpine environment, and camping is prohibited from mid-May to mid-November.
Views and Ecology
From the top, you’ll see Ptarmigan Ridge, Chain Lakes, and the icy drama of Shuksan’s glaciers. Blueberries line parts of the trail in late summer. Bears are rarely seen but always possible; carry out trash and stay aware.
Table Mountain’s flat-topped profile tricked early surveyors in the 1920s into thinking it was less rugged than it is. In reality, its edges are constantly shifting due to freeze-thaw cycles, and a rock slide in winter 2025 reshaped a key section, prompting a quick repair by the Forest Service.
Chuckanut Ridge
While the first two hikes are high in the Mount Baker area, Chuckanut Ridge offers a coastal counterpoint.
Located in Larrabee State Park just south of Bellingham, the ridge rises to only about 1,801 feet but stretches 7.1 to 8.9 miles out-and-back with 1,669 to 2,154 feet of gain. Plan for four to four and a half hours.
Why You’ll Love It
- Saltwater meets alpine. Views of Puget Sound’s islands to the west and Mount Baker’s snowy cone to the east.
- Old-growth sections. Towering cedars and ferns create shady corridors.
- Accessible yet adventurous. Trailheads close to town but with a backcountry feel on the ridge.
Recent hikers in 2025 praised its uncrowded Friday vibe, clear signage, and bench viewpoints.
One July report blended Chuckanut Ridge with the Madrone Crest spur for an 11.5-mile day, noting cool shade and waterfalls still trickling.
Getting There and Logistics
- From I-5 Exit 250: Drive 1.3 miles on Old Fairhaven Parkway to 12th Street, then south 1.5 miles on Chuckanut Drive to the main parking lot.
- Alternate access: Highline Road’s dirt lot can serve as a midway start.
- Pass required: Discover Pass ($10 daily) for state park access.
- Facilities: Restrooms at trailhead; leashed dogs allowed.
Essential Gear
| Item | Why It Matters |
| Hydration | Limited water sources on the ridge |
| Trekking poles | Roots and rocks on steep sections |
| Map or GPS | Multiple forks can confuse first-timers |
What Awaits on the Ridge
- Views: Puget Sound, Mount Baker, and BC’s coastal mountains on clear days.
- Flora and fauna: Deer, eagles, and occasional fungi flushes after rain.
- Geology: Ancient glaciers carved the ridge, leaving a mix of sandstone and shale that shapes today’s trail.
- History: Larrabee State Park was founded in the 1920s as Washington’s first state park, protecting this unique coastal-mountain interface.
Chuckanut Ridge shows how Whatcom County straddles two worlds, alpine and maritime, offering a hybrid hike that pairs well with a post-trail meal in nearby Fairhaven or Bellingham.
Read Also: Most Demanding Hikes in the US
Trail Comparison at a Glance
| Trail | Length (miles) | Elevation Gain (ft) | Difficulty | Best Views | 2025 Note |
| Chain Lakes Loop | 6.2–6.5 | 1,800 | Moderate/Hard | Mt. Baker, Shuksan, Alpine Lakes | Huckleberries abundant; two-car tip |
| Table Mountain | 2.6–2.8 | 692–725 | Easy/Moderate | Shuksan tarns, Heather Meadows | Rock slide repaired; wedding crowds |
| Chuckanut Ridge | 7.1–8.9 | 1,669–2,154 | Moderate/Hard | Puget Sound, Mt. Baker | Uncrowded Fridays; map essential |
Tips for Planning Your Hike
1. Timing and Seasons
- Summer (July–August): Wildflowers, clearer skies, and snow-free trails at higher elevations.
- Early Fall (September): Huckleberries, vivid foliage, fewer bugs, cooler temps.
- Late Fall/Winter: Snow and ice can close upper trails; check conditions before you go.
2. Safety Essentials
- Always tell someone your plan and expected return time.
- Pack extra water, snacks, and a first-aid kit.
- Weather can shift rapidly in the North Cascades; carry a rain layer even if skies look clear.
3. Leave No Trace
Stay on marked paths, respect wildlife, and pack out all trash. Alpine meadows and fragile ridge ecosystems can take decades to recover from a single misstep.
Permits and Passes Summary
| Location | Pass Required | Cost |
| Artist Point (Chain Lakes & Table Mountain) | Northwest Forest Pass | $5 daily or $30 annual |
| Larrabee State Park (Chuckanut Ridge) | Discover Pass | $10 daily |
Small Details That Make a Big Difference
- Photography: Early morning or late afternoon light gives Mount Baker and Shuksan their best glow.
- Two-car shuttle: For Chain Lakes, park one car at Artist Point and another at Heather Meadows to avoid the last uphill stretch.
- Berry picking: Blueberries and huckleberries line many sections in late summer; bring a small bag if you want a trail snack.
- Wildlife etiquette: Marmots and goats are photogenic but can become aggressive if fed – resist the urge.
Your Next Step
After spending time on these trails, it’s easy to see why Whatcom County sits at the heart of so many Pacific Northwest hiking dreams.
Each route offers a distinct flavor: the alpine necklace of Chain Lakes, the cliff-top drama of Table Mountain, and the sea-to-summit rhythm of Chuckanut Ridge. Together they cover a spectrum of experiences that can shape your outdoor story for years to come.
Statistics tell one side of the tale: hundreds of trip reports, thousands of annual visitors, but the real data lies in your own impressions. Maybe it’s the quiet moment at Herman Saddle when the wind drops and you can hear a marmot’s whistle echo across the basin.
Maybe it’s the sense of accomplishment standing on Table Mountain’s rim, or the smell of salt and fir mingling on Chuckanut Ridge. Those are the memories that stick.