Backpacking the Chain Lakes Loop with Kids: A Family-Friendly Adventure in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington
This was one of our very first backpacking trips—and one of the most memorable. Backpacking the Chain Lakes Loop with kids near Mount Baker is one of the best trips in Washington – it’s absolutely stunning: alpine lakes, wide open ridgelines, meadows, and mountain views that made us stop in our tracks more than once.
If you’re new to backpacking (or want to try it with kids), this loop is a great option—challenging enough to feel like an adventure, but short enough to stay fun.
🧭 Quick Trail Overview
- Location: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
- Distance: ~6.5-mile loop
- Elevation Gain: ~1,820 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Type: Loop
- Best Season: Late July to October (snow-free, wildflowers or fall color)
🚗 Getting to the Trailhead
Most people start at Artist Point, which offers sweeping views from the parking lot. You can also start at Heather Meadows or Bagley Lakes for a slightly different variation.
🅿️ You’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass to park here.
Trail Tip:
Hiking the Chain Lakes Loop clockwise is a great option for families—it starts out easy and scenic. But heads up: the final climb back to Artist Point is steep and tough after a full day (especially with kids).
🎒 Park at Heather Meadows, drop your group at Artist Point, then retrieve the car solo after the hike. You’ll thank yourself later!
🐻 Food Storage & Wildlife
While we didn’t see bears, this is still bear country. I recommend bringing a bear canister or Ursack, especially since trees in alpine zones aren’t always suitable for hanging food.
We kept ours 100 feet from camp and had no issues.
💧 Water Access + Filtration
There’s plenty of water along the trail—Mazama Lake, Hayes Lake, Iceberg Lake, and Bagley Lakes are all accessible. We brought a gravity filter and had no trouble staying hydrated.
If you’re backpacking with kids, I recommend treating all water, even from the lakes.
🌿 Trail Highlights
- Wildflowers were still blooming in late summer, and we saw marmots, pikas, and hawks
- Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan views follow you for most of the route
- Iceberg Lake was icy cold but made for the best morning splash
- The fall foliage here is unreal if you go in September or early October
We loved how every turn brought a new view. Even the kids kept stopping to say, “Whoa!”
🏕️ Where to Camp on the Chain Lakes Loop
This is one of the few alpine loops in Washington where you can legally camp without a permit (yay!). There are designated campsites near Mazama Lake and Hayes Lake, and they’re first-come, first-served.
We camped at Hayes Lake and it was wonderful. We were perched up slightly above the lake with easy access to water but beautiful views.
🛑 Note: Please camp only at designated spots to help preserve the fragile alpine environment.
👣 Backpacking with Kids on This Trail
We did this trail with a 5 and 6 year old, and here’s what helped make it work:
- Start early to give yourself a full day to secure a campsite. no permits means first come, first serve and this is a popular spot.
- Bring fun snacks – instant energy
- Be prepared for quick weather changes—we added layers more than once!
👉 Related: Backpacking with Kids: A Survival Guide
🗺️ Navigation Notes
The trail is well-marked, but if you’re new to loops or worried about missing a junction:
The loop is best hiked clockwise if you’re aiming to camp near the lakes
Download the map on AllTrails+ or Gaia GPS
Carry a paper map from WTA or the USFS (helpful if your phone dies)
Its Popular so Plan Ahead
One consideration with the Chain Lakes Trail is its popularity. It’s such a sought-after destination that the ranger recommended tackling it on a rainy day to secure a campsite. Despite this advice, we opted for a clear day and crossed our fingers for luck. We had our pick of campsites, with only one already taken—an inevitable aspect of first-come, first-served sites.
✨ Final Thoughts
Chain Lakes Loop was one of the best introductions we could have asked for—not just to backpacking, but to sharing the experience with kids. We hiked, we camped, we stargazed, we filtered lake water. And we came home sore, tired, and totally hooked.
💬 Have you backpacked the Chain Lakes Loop? Thinking of trying it with kids? I’d love to hear about your trip—or answer questions—drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram @thetrekkingmama.
