Hiking the Chain Lakes Trail to the Stunning Viewpoint at Herman Saddle

Looking for more adventures near Chain Lakes and Mount Baker?
For a shorter option, hike the Bagley Lakes Loop. Stay at Silver Fir Campground for easy access to all this beautiful area has to offer.

DIFFICULTY

Moderate/Challenging — The elevation gain on our hike was around 1,500 feet, and much of the terrain is rocky. In mid-June, the snow had not fully melted, requiring short, slippery snow crossings on the higher sections of the trail. Some years, the snow lingers into July, so check conditions on the WTA website or at the Heather Meadows Visitor Center before you hike.

WE HIKED IT

June 2026, about three hours including a long lunch break at Herman Saddle

CURRENT INFO

This route follows both the Bagley Lakes Trail and part of the Chain Lakes Loop Trail. You can find current reviews and information on the WTA (Washington Trails Association) website for both the Chain Lakes Loop and the Bagley Lakes Loop. Trail maps for Chain Lakes and Bagley Lakes are available on AllTrails. I also recommend the hiking guidebook Day Hiking: North Cascades by Craig Romano.

GOOD TO KNOW

• There is a $5 fee to park at the Bagley Lakes Trailhead. Fee envelopes are available at the trailhead, or you can scan the posted QR code to pay.
• The parking fee is covered by both the America the Beautiful Pass and the Northwest Forest Pass. If you don’t already have an America the Beautiful pass, check ahead of time to see if you qualify for a free or reduced price pass — veterans, seniors, and 4th graders do!
• A vault toilet is available at the trailhead. Garbage and recycle bins are also available. For flush toilets, head up the road to the Heather Meadows Visitor Center.
• There is no drinking water available at the trailhead or along the trail. Be sure to fill your water bottles before you go.
• Pets on leash are welcome on the trail. Always clean up after your pet.
• For current trail information and more, stop by the Heather Meadows Visitor Center. The center is typically open during the summer, and offers a few small exhibits, a gift shop, and park rangers to answer your questions.
• To follow our route, you will start off on the Bagley Lakes Trail, then continue on the Chain Lakes Trail to Herman Saddle. From Herman Saddle, turn back and follow the Chain Lake Trail all the way back to the trailhead.
• You can also start the Chain Lakes Loop hike from Heather Meadows or from Artist Point. Parking is more limited at these locations, however, and lots can fill up in summer.
• We started our hike from the Bagley Lakes trailhead because we knew the trail there was snow-free and parking is plentiful. It’s also a beautiful hike along Lower Bagley Lake. We turned around at Herman Saddle partly due to increased snow on the trail, but this stunning viewpoint also makes a good destination if you prefer not to hike the full Chain Lakes Loop.
• With many trails to choose from, you can easily create shorter or longer hikes to fit your needs. You can do a short loop around Bagley Lakes, arrange for a car shuttle so you can start your hike at one trailhead and finish at another, or do any number of out-and-back options. When you’re surrounded by such astounding natural beauty, you really can’t go wrong.

HIGHLIGHTS

Where to even begin? The Chain Lakes Trail is simply stunning, and on a clear day it will be immediately apparent why this hike is so popular. But if you think the view from the trailhead is impressive, just wait — it gets even better! As you leave Bagley Lakes behind, Mount Shuksan comes into view, growing ever mightier as the trail continues to rise. Our hike culminates at Herman Saddle, where 360 degree views include Mount Baker on one side and Mount Shuksan on the other.

I’ve no doubt that more wonders await if you are able to continue the trail to Iceberg Lake and Artist Point. Fortunately, even if you, like us, are unable to hike the full Chain Lakes Loop, this hike is still well worth the effort.

THE KIDS’ TAKE

The Chain Lakes Loop Trail is great for kids who are ready to tackle some tougher terrain on a moderately long day hike. The views are non-stop, with pristine lakes or glorious mountain peaks always in sight. If you’re lucky, you may spot a pika in the rocks as you approach Herman Saddle. Even if you don’t see one, listen for their distinctive squeak as they call out a warning across the boulders.

The trail can feel grueling at times, particularly if there is still any snow, as was the case when we hiked in mid-June. Some years, the trail may not be snow-free until well into July. Be prepared for a steady uphill climb to Herman Saddle, with a few steep switchbacks and rocky sections. Fortunately, there are some easy, largely flat sections as well, and with the round trip hike to Herman Saddle clocking in at about five miles, it’s not too long. If you and your kids are up for it, continue the adventure by hiking the full Chain Lakes Loop. You can do the loop in as little 6.5 miles if you start at Heather Meadows, or choose a longer option by starting at the Bagley Lakes Trailhead.

If you’re looking for something shorter or better suited to young children, I highly recommend the Bagley Lakes Loop. This 1.5 to two-mile hike has a few hills, but is relatively level, and still offers fantastic views, plus the option to skip rocks in the lakes. Since this trail naturally connects with the Chain Lakes Trail, we chose to include it in our hike to Herman Saddle. One day prior to this hike, my younger son and I hiked the Bagley Lakes Loop with another group of friends and had a blast.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE

There’s no shortage of incredible trails surrounding Mount Baker. If you’re looking for a shorter option, consider hiking the Bagley Lakes Loop. We included this loop as part of our longer hike to Herman Saddle, but on its own it’s a great option for those looking for something less strenuous. The Fire and Ice Trail, located near the Heather Meadows Visitor Center, is short but sweet. For more challenging options, consider Lake Ann, Ptarmigan Ridge, or Table Mountain. Important Note: These trails are only open from summer to early fall, and may be covered with snow into July. Check conditions ahead of your visit.

Looking to capture the iconic view of Mount Shuksan overlooking a gorgeous blue lake? Be sure to stop at Picture Lake, which you’ll pass shortly before arriving at the Bagley Lakes Trailhead. Roadside parking provides access to a flat, easy trail that leads to multiple viewpoints along the lakeshore. It takes only minutes to snap a few photos, but you may want to linger a little longer.

To further immerse yourself in this beautiful region, I recommend camping at Silver Fir Campground. We spent three nights at this small National Forest Service campground on the Nooksack River. Campsites fill well in advance for summer camping. From the campground, it’s about a twenty minute drive to the Bagley Lakes Trailhead. The campground is also just twenty minutes from the tiny town of Glacier, where you’ll find groceries, gas, and a handful of restaurants.

On your way to or from Mount Baker, a quick detour off Highway 542 leads to Nooksack Falls. Although the view is somewhat obstructed, this mighty waterfall is worth a stop.

Near the start of our hike along Bagley Lakes and the Chain Lakes Trail, my friend asked, “Can the Alps be better than this?”

“No,” I replied. “The Alps are just as beautiful, but not more beautiful than this.”

As someone who has hiked many times in the Alps, I feel somewhat qualified to make such a statement. Honestly, maybe the Chain Lakes Trail is even better than hiking in the Alps, I thought as we delved deeper into the Mount Baker Wilderness. But I’m getting ahead of myself…

We decided to begin our hike at the Bagley Lakes Trailhead. I had hiked the Bagley Lakes Loop the day before with another group of friends, and found it so delightful I couldn’t wait to share it with more. The parking lot here is extremely large, probably because it serves as parking for the Mount Baker Ski Area in the winter. From here, a brief downhill trail leads to Lower Bagley Lake. There, the trail splits, giving you the option to head clockwise on the Bagley Lakes Trail or counterclockwise on the Chain Lakes Trail.

We chose to follow the Bagley Lakes Trail, knowing we would have the chance to return along the Chain Lakes Trail. The Bagley Lakes Trail is a favorite of my younger son’s, namely because it crosses Lava Falls, a distinctive basalt formation along the route. During our mid-June visit, water sprayed over the basalt columns as we passed, offering a refreshing shower on a warm day.

A brief uphill stretch led from Lower Bagley Lake to Upper Bagley Lake, where a picturesque stone bridge crosses to the opposite shore. From here, you can turn right to follow the Chain Lakes Trail back to the Bagley Lakes Trailhead. Or you can do as we did, and turn left on the Chain Lakes Trail to continue higher into the mountains.

The Chain Lakes Trail was noticeably rockier than the Bagley Lakes Trail. We followed a rock ledge along lakeshore, then found ourselves climbing uphill through a field of boulders. Ahead of us, Table Mountain drew nearer. Behind us, the peak of Mount Shuksan slowly began to rise above the mountains flanking Upper Bagley Lake.

Past the rocks, the trail delved into the woods. It was here on these switchbacks that we crossed the first snow along the trail. It was slippery, but easy to manage even without hiking poles. I had a sense, however, that there was more to come.

As we continued uphill, signs of recent snowmelt were everywhere. Out in the open, the trail passed through more rocks and scree. Water flowed over the path, creating short-lived streams babbling amidst the boulders. Wildflowers sprang up from the newly freed earth, while moss and grasses transformed from dull yellow to electric green.

There was one member of our group who was especially enamored of the snow: Buddy. Each time we passed a snow patch, he rolled gleefully in the icy white stuff, shaking vigorously to get the maximum effect. No doubt it felt fantastic to a furry golden retriever on a warm sunny day.

We passed through another field of boulders where pika chirps called out from hidden crevices in the rocks. I managed to spot a couple of heads as they peeked out cautiously before darting quickly out of sight. From above, another pika called out, probably warning his friends to stay hidden.

As we continued to climb the mountainside, the snow patches crossing the trail grew wider. In a few slick spots, I used my hands to avoid slipping on the steep terrain. Where the snow had already melted, the slopes were carpeted in huckleberry bushes. In a few months, there would be a wealth of berries to feast upon.

We could see the graceful arc of Herman Saddle as we approached. Above this ridge, Mount Baker slowly revealed its snow-clad flanks. One final long stretch of snow lay between us and a bare patch of earth on the saddle, leading to a perfect picnic spot. After carefully treading across the snow, we paused, momentarily overcome with awe.

Mount Baker was now on full display, gloriously presiding over Iceberg Lake and perfectly framed by stately fir trees. Opposite Mount Baker stood Mount Shuksan, exposing craggy, jagged slopes that contrasted sharply with Mount Baker’s smooth, tapered summit. Honestly, do lunch spots get any better than this?

We lingered over lunch, took a few photos, then turned to head back across the snow. We saw a few hikers continue in the opposite direction on the Chain Lakes Loop toward Iceberg Lake. From there, the trail heads up to Artist Point. For those intrepid hikers, there was clearly even more snow in store.

For our part, we decided Herman Saddle was a good turnaround point. Hiking downhill required extra care both on and off the snow as we picked our way through the rocks, but we made good progress.

Back at Upper Bagley Lake, we walked the stone ridge and came again to the delicately arched bridge at the base of the lake. This time, we continued straight along the Chain Lakes Trail, which gave us a higher vantage point over Lower Bagley Lake. While Bagley Lake may not compare with the stunning views from Herman Saddle, it was a beautiful way to finish our hike.

Indeed, beauty is all around you on the Chain Lakes Trail, beauty on a scale sometimes so great we struggle to comprehend it. How can such wonders exist? And perhaps more importantly, how can we do our part to protect them for ages to come? May future generations enjoy this awe-inspiring place just as we were privileged to do for ourselves.