Since we talked about the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail last week, it makes sense to talk about Chain Lakes Trail this week. Chain Lakes Trail shares the same parking lot and same trailhead as the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail. In fact, the first few kilometers of Ptarmigan Ridge Trail is shared (the same as) Chain Lakes Trail. The two trails eventually fork off at a certain point, with Chain Lakes Trail continuing north, while Ptarmigan Ridge Trail continues south. Below are pictures of the portions of the trails before the fork. As you can see, the scenery are identical to the ones posted last week, with the weather being the only difference.

Start of trail, Mount Baker seen on the left in the background.

We went during early October, so the wild blueberry bushes had turned red.

Surrounding mountain ranges.

Beginning portion of Chain Lakes Trail is shared with Ptarmigan Ridge Trail.

This post marks the fork between Ptarmigan Ridge Trail and Chain Lakes Trails. Continuing straight continues on the Chain Lakes Trail.

Once we reach the fork, continuing on the Chain Lakes Trail brought us to some rocky terrain with trees far in the background. Eventually, the trail brought us to Mazama Lake. As suggested by the name of the trail, Chain Lakes Trail brings the hiker through several lakes, Mazama Lake, Icerberg Lake, Hayes Lake, Arbuthnot Lake. For our hike, we only went to Iceberg Lake and returned the same way. This is the route we took, which shows that it is a 6.6km out-and-back trail with 259m elevation gain. We spent some time having lunch at the lake and let the kids play at the lake before heading back to our car.

Trail continues onto some rocky terrain.

Even more rocky terrain.

Eventually, we see the first lake, Mazama Lake. It's a small lake surrounded by a lot of trees.

When we reached Iceberg Lake, I saw a toilet sign pointing a bit further down the trail. Turns out it's a wooden box with a hole located behind some bushes.

Iceberg Lake, our destination. The water was very clean and clear but a bit cold.

Heading back towards the parking lot. Little one ran out of gas so I had to carry him on my shoulders.

Another look at Mount Baker.

And also another look at Mount Shuksan before reaching the parking lot.

On our drive down, we also stopped by Picture Lake to take a few quick pictures. It is a nice lake next to the road, with a short 1km trail around it and a great viewing platform that showcases the whole lake and Mount Shuksan plus surrounding mountains in the background.

Trail right next to the road leading to Picture Lake viewpoint.

Picture Lake with Mount Shuksan in the background.

Check out my previous hikes: