It’s summer 2022. Life on Whidbey Island is filled with a steady stream of visitors. Family and friends from near and far. It fills me up. And, yet, I find myself drained by the long days and sheer outwardness of the season. Summer is a season for extroverts. (I am not an extrovert. Autumn is my season)

One of the best ways for me to recharge is to head into the mountains. Into the high country where the expanse of the sky is cut by snow-covered peaks. Where the vastness of the wilderness stretches out to the horizon. Where the thin mountain air washes over me like a jolt of mind-clearing energy, a shedding away of all of the day-to-day clutter. A reminder that I am just a small piece in a very big picture.

The wilderness is my reset button.

Here is a recipe for an easy mid-summer Cascade Mountains Recharge.

Chain Lakes Loop hike: The perfect getaway for total mindset shift and mental boost.

Make it a long day trip, spend a night or two in the backcountry, or basecamp at a local campground and pair several day hikes together, spending nights by the river and a cozy campfire. However you do it, the Chain Lakes won’t disappoint. At the end of the day your legs might be tired, but your soul will be invigorated. At just over 7 miles of stunning alpine beauty you will encounter jagged snowy peaks, glimmering mountain lakes, wildflower meadows, and steep rocky ascents. It is not a technical hike, though there are sections that are steep and rocky (the views are so worth it!). Keep in mind that snow can remain in the high country through late summer. We were here in early August and had to navigate some slippery snow-covered sections of the trail.

DETAILS:

Hike Name- Chain Lakes Loop

Where- Mount Baker Wilderness, Washington State (North Cascades)

Trailhead: park at Artist Point Trailhead at the end of Mount Baker Hwy. (hwy 542) *Northwest Forest Pass needed for parking

Hike Length: approx 7 mi

Starting elevation: 5100 ft

Elevation gain: 1820ft

Dogs ok?: Yes (on leash)

Additional Info: Washington Trails Association

Nearby Camping Options:

• Douglas Fir Campground, Silver Fir Campground. These are both small forest-service campgrounds along the Nooksack River on the Mount Baker Highway, Glacier, Wa. They are shady and quiet. No hookups. Pit toilets.

• Dispersed camping lot across the road from Silver Fir Campground at the Salmon Ridge Sno-Park. (no facilities. no fee).

• Backcountry camping. Self-registration. Please practice low impact, leave-no trace camping and respect the fragile alpine ecosystem. Be bear aware. Always hang food away from camp and/or use bear cannsters for food storage.