26.08.2023
At approximately 7:30am we crossed the Sumas border into the USA. Our goal was to arrive at the Artist Point parking lot by 8:30am to avoid the crowds. Wildfire smoke was present in the air in the lower mainland so we checked the air conditions for Mount Baker and the outlook was not too bad.
When we arrived at the Artist Point parking lot we easily found a parking spot. Bring cash to pay for parking - $5 USD per day or $10 CDN (bills only, no coins) unless you have a valid park pass.
We walked towards Mount Baker and this is where the trail starts – there is a sign directing Chain Lakes Trail in one direction and Table Mountain Trail in the other direction. Starting in this direction is clockwise along the loop. This brief section has beautiful views of Mount Baker in front of you and Mount Shuksan behind you. It is mostly flat and the trail was dry and dusty. This section is quite exposed to the sun with valleys below. We arrived at the junction requiring we head to our right. Going straight takes you to the Ptarmigan Ridge trail.
The trail is well defined and easy to follow. From here we descended to the lakes - Mazama Lake on your left and Iceberg Lake on the right. As you continue the trail passes Hayes Lake. From here the trail will climb to Herman Saddle where you will enjoy lovely views of the area before you start to descend down to Bagley Lakes. It was during our descent that we encountered many hikers headed opposite our direction. We were happy we started early and were able to enjoy some solitude before the crowds arrived.
It was hot and sunny and little to no shade during our descent. As we reached the lake below we could see Bagley Lake in the distance. We chose not to walk around Bagley lake and simply crossed the stone bridge towards Austin Pass. From here there was a very brief walk along the parking lot to the Wild Goose Trail. This last section is an uphill climb with several steep stairs which took us to the Artist Point parking lot.
This was a lovely hike with gorgeous views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan but it did become busy. Suggest you start the hike early to avoid the crowds and the hot sun.
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