Chain Lakes Loop

On the first day of autumn, Mike was able to get in one final Saturday of good weather for a day hike to give him over 50 miles of hiking in 2023.  This was his easiest effort all year at just 6.7 miles and 2066 feet of ascent, but probably the most "bang for the buck" hike of the season in terms of scenery.  The Chain Lakes Loop is a very popular hike in the Mount Baker Wilderness of Northern Washington.  Starting from Artist Point, he did a counter-clockwise loop which addressed the most serious elevation section early in the day while his legs (and knees) were still fresh.

While the hike started with clear skies, by the time Mike got to his first view of Mt. Baker along the trail, the peak was already covered in clouds, but the view was still majestic.  

Hayes Lake along the Chain Lakes Loop in the Mount Baker Wilderness

Mount Baker and Chains Lake Basin from Herman Saddle

GPS Info

Here is the data from the GPS unit:

Maps

This Leaflet Map is provided by GPS Visualizer

Elevation Profile

This profile is provided by GPS Visualizer

Coordinates and other details

Mileage:	6.7 Miles
Elevation	2066 Feet
Time:	5:08:09 (total), 3:14:21 (moving)
Average Speed:	1.31 MPH (total), 2.07 MPH (moving)
Trailhead Coordinates:	48°50'47.5"N 121°41'34.9"W

The GPX file can be downloaded here.

Photos and Videos

Photos are available at this album.  I have also uploaded YouTube video, but the audio isn't great (there is a lot of noise... I need to figure out how to reduce noise on my GoPro.)

Cascade Pass & Sahale Glacier

Mike has a long-time friend who he hadn't seen in several years.  Out of the blue, Scott called Mike to tell him that he was on a months-long trip with his Sprinter van and would be coming through Washington state on his way back home to San Diego.  He wanted to know if Mike had recommendations on itineraries in North Cascades National Park, and if Mike would like to accompany him on a day hike.  Mike jumped at the opportunity, and offered to show off one of the premiere itineraries in the North Cascades:  Cascade Pass and the Sahale Arm.

Throughout the week, we kept an eye out on the wildfire situation occurring in the eastern part of the national park, but as Saturday approached, the air quality looked like it would be reasonable to attempt the trip.  We were not disappointed with the views in the least.  

The hike was a punishing 13 miles with 4500 feet of ascent that starts out deceptively mild, but the last third of the hike was a straight-up slog with steep grades.

North Cascades from Sahale Glacier Camp

Doubtful Lake on the Sahale Arm

GPS Info

Here is the data from the GPS unit:

Maps

This Leaflet Map is provided by GPS Visualizer

Elevation Profile

This profile is provided by GPS Visualizer

Coordinates and other details

Mileage:	13.2 Miles
Elevation	4478 Feet
Time:	10:05:06 (total), 6:20:07 (moving)
Average Speed:	1.30 MPH (total), 2.08 MPH (moving)
Trailhead Coordinates:	N48° 28.550' W121° 04.538'

The GPX file can be downloaded here.

Photos and Videos

Photos are available at this album.  I have also uploaded YouTube videos of Cascade Pass and the Sahale Glacier.