Table Mountain, Chain Lakes Loop — Friday, Sep. 14, 2001

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

One really couldn't ask for more from a fall hike than this easy, extremely scenic trail delivers. Unless one is looking for solitude, that is. There was a constant stream of families on the trail, many with dogs, and one with a hiking ferret on a leash!. The trail is very easy, with great views of Shuksan and Baker, lots of very sweet ripe blueberries, easily accessible snowfields for kids to play on, and relatively few bugs. We hiked in with our two small children and snagged one of the good campsites by Mazama Lake. Although quite small, this lake is big enough for a very `refreshing' swim. While the kids played and explored, the parents took turns visiting the remaining large, beautiful lakes.