{"id":38396,"date":"2022-04-18T08:10:41","date_gmt":"2022-04-18T14:10:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=38396"},"modified":"2022-05-02T15:31:22","modified_gmt":"2022-05-02T21:31:22","slug":"the-chains-lakes-trail-table-mountain-cascade-range-washington-8-17-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=38396","title":{"rendered":"The Chains Lakes Loop Trail & Table Mountain, Cascade Range, Washington (8-17-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 12 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast!<\/em><\/p>\n

10:27 AM, Austin Pass, Heather Meadows Recreation Area<\/em> – A later start than it should have been, but that wasn’t Lupe’s fault.\u00a0 Coming to the North Cascades in Washington had finally paid off as far as escaping the wildfire smoke that hung over the rest of the American West, but even so, skies weren’t blue.\u00a0 Rain last night, then fog this morning.<\/p>\n

Overcast, but at least the fog had finally lifted.\u00a0 Beyond a pond next to the parking lot, Table Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,742 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight.\u00a0 Whether that would last, or fog would return, was anybody’s guess.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Table Mountain<\/strong> (Center) from the Austin Pass<\/strong> parking lot. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Would be a lot better, if we had some sunshine, Loop.\u00a0 Still want to try it?<\/em><\/p>\n

We’re here now, SPHP!\u00a0 Better take what we can get.\u00a0 Let’s give it a shot!<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP glanced at the posted trail map.\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Alright, then!\u00a0 But let’s give the sky a chance to clear up before we get to the Table Mountain trail by taking the Chain Lakes trail counter-clockwise around the mountain.\u00a0 That’s the long way.\u00a0 Will take us quite a while.<\/em><\/p>\n

Fine with me, SPHP!\u00a0 So, where do we go from here?<\/em><\/p>\n

That way!\u00a0 Down to the visitor center, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the Heather Meadows visitor center<\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The visitor center was closed.\u00a0 Near it, displays were mounted on a rock wall overlooking the beautiful valley NE of Table Mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the visitor center. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Table Mountain<\/strong> (L) and the Bagley Creek valley<\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Huh.\u00a0 I don’t get it, Loopster!\u00a0 Late Tuesday morning in mid-August, and the visitor center is closed?\u00a0 Why?<\/em><\/p>\n

We passed Mt. Baker Lodge<\/strong><\/span><\/a> on the way up, SPHP.\u00a0 Maybe this is just a ski resort area?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 You might be right, Looper.\u00a0 Winter’s probably when the big money is here.\u00a0 Quite an extensive trail system, though.\u00a0 I would think the visitor center would be open since it’s located by all these trails, and not over by the lodge or ski lifts.<\/em><\/p>\n

No sign of the Chain Lakes trail, but a paved Fire & Ice trail headed SW.\u00a0 Maybe that was the way to go?\u00a0 Loop followed it down to a viewpoint overlooking upper Bagley Lake, but by then it was clear that the Fire & Ice trail was just going to loop back to the visitor center.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Upper Bagley Lake<\/strong> from the Fire & Ice trail viewpoint<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Turning around to head back up to the visitor center, SPHP spotted a use trail leading over to a little ridge to the N.<\/p>\n

Guess I’m not the only one that’s confused!\u00a0 Bet that use trail will get us down to the Chain Lakes trail!\u00a0 C’mon, Loop, let’s try it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Worked great!\u00a0 Lupe was soon on a maintained trail that did lead down to the Chain Lakes trail, accessed via a stone bridge over Bagley Creek.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Upper Bagley Lake<\/strong> from the maintained trail. Table Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading down to the stone bridge. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the bridge over Bagley Creek<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After crossing the bridge, Lupe took the Chain Lakes trail W (L) along the N shore of Upper Bagley Lake.\u00a0 She came to one rocky section, but most of trail was flat and super easy.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Chain Lakes trail N of Upper Bagley Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once past the lake, the trail began slowly gaining elevation.\u00a0 A remnant of a big snow field was melting off to the L.\u00a0 Soon a rock slide appeared ahead.\u00a0 The trail went right through it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the rock slide. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The melting snowfield. HP5553<\/span><\/strong> (Table Mountain’s E summit) (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Passing through the rock slide. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the rock slide, the Chain Lakes trail entered the upper valley.\u00a0 Bagley Creek was only a small, tumbling stream up here.\u00a0 Lupe never had to cross it, but she did cross several tiny tributaries flowing over the trail as it began switchbacking higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the upper valley. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bagley Creek<\/strong> (L) from where the trail left it. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After switchbacking NNE up a steep slope, the Chain Lakes trail turned NW, now destined for Pass 5300<\/span><\/strong> between Mazama Dome<\/span><\/a> (5,800 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Table Mountain’s N Ridge.\u00a0 Views improved steadily during the long trek higher, but the sky remained as cloudy as ever.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pass 5300<\/span><\/strong> (far L). Mazama Dome<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking SSE after climbing out of the valley. Artist Point<\/strong> (L), HP5553<\/span><\/strong> (R).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting closer to Pass 5300<\/span><\/strong> (L). Mazama Dome<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Almost there! Table Mountain’s N Ridge<\/strong> (L), Pass 5300<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12:34 PM, Pass 5300<\/span><\/strong> –<\/em> The Chain Lakes trail topped out more than 100 feet above Pass 5300 on Mazama Dome’s SE slopes.\u00a0 A shame it was still so cloudy!\u00a0 This was a very scenic area.\u00a0 Popular, too!\u00a0 Several groups of hikers were distributed about the region, and more were on the way.<\/p>\n

About time for a chocolate coconut bar, isn’t it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

That it was!\u00a0 Climbing a little above the trail, Lupe chose a boulder as a perch.\u00a0 SPHP shared the requested chocolate coconut bar with her.<\/p>\n

On a clear day, the American Dingo would have enjoyed a spectacular view of Mount Shuksan<\/span><\/a> (9,131 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> well beyond Upper Bagley Lake, but only the lower slopes could be seen now.\u00a0 Part of what had to be Table Mountain’s summit region was visible to the SSW.\u00a0 Looked only a few hundred feet higher.\u00a0 No way to get over there from here, though.\u00a0 A 200+ foot high cliff ran all along the mountain’s N face.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Shuksan<\/strong> (Center) in clouds beyond Upper Bagley Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Pass 5300<\/span><\/strong> with Table Mountain’s N Ridge<\/strong> (Center) beyond it. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Views W of the pass were the most surprising, in fact, shocking, of all.\u00a0 Lasiocarpa Ridge<\/span><\/a> (6,521 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Coleman Pinnacle<\/span><\/a> (6,403 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were in sight, but there was no sign of Iceberg Lake, largest of the Chain Lakes.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Table Mountain<\/strong> (L), Coleman Pinnacle<\/strong> (L of Center), Lasiocarpa Ridge<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Holy moly, Looper!\u00a0 I should have looked at the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> more carefully!<\/em><\/p>\n

Why?\u00a0 What’s wrong, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Iceberg Lake is way down in a deep valley!\u00a0 Had no idea we were going to have to lose so much elevation!\u00a0 Here we’ve climbed all this way from Upper Bagley Lake only to have to lose it all again.\u00a0 Going to be a lot more elevation gain and loss on this little jaunt than I realized.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, not really.\u00a0 That was an exaggeration.\u00a0 Finally consulting the map, SPHP saw that the Carolina Dog was going to have to lose a little over 600 feet to get down to Iceberg Lake, half of what she’d gained on the way to Pass 5300<\/span><\/strong> from Upper Bagley Lake.\u00a0 Still, 600 feet was nothing to sneeze at.\u00a0 It would all have to be regained soon enough.<\/p>\n

For the moment, it was no big deal.\u00a0 Descending W of Pass 5300<\/span><\/strong>, losing 600 feet went smooth as silk on the good trail.\u00a0 Nice and easy!\u00a0 Lupe had barely started down when part of Iceberg Lake did come into view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Iceberg Lake<\/strong> from the W side of Pass 5300<\/span><\/strong>. Lasiocarpa Ridge<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the way down, Lupe lost sight of Iceberg Lake as the trail entered a heavily forested region.\u00a0 She’d lost nearly the entire required 600 feet when Hayes Lake, a smaller one N of Iceberg Lake, came into view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Hayes Lake<\/strong>, middle lake of the Galena Chain Lakes<\/strong> group. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lucious, ripe blueberries were thick in this region, resulting in a delay as SPHP became entangled in the blueberry trap.<\/p>\n

Come on, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m trying, Loop, but they’re so scrumptious!<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP wasn’t trying very hard.\u00a0 Nevertheless, Lupe eventually prevailed.\u00a0 The Chain Lakes Trail continued WSW between Hayes Lake and Iceberg Lake.\u00a0 With the exception of one glimpse of Iceberg Lake, all the views were of Hayes Lake.\u00a0 Side trails went to Iceberg Lake, but they were all closed for restoration.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
W end of Iceberg Lake<\/strong>. Table Mountain<\/strong> (L), Coleman Pinnacle<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hayes Lake<\/strong> again. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the gap between Hayes Lake and Iceberg Lake, the Chain Lakes trail turned S.\u00a0 Although only slightly W of Iceberg Lake, trees continued to block the views.\u00a0 SPHP was beginning to worry that Loopster never was going to get a good look at Iceberg Lake when, near the S end of the W shore, she came to a clearing.<\/p>\n

And there was Iceberg Lake, deep green, mirror smooth, nestled at the foot of Table Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,742 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Magnificent!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Iceberg Lake<\/strong>. Pass 5300<\/span><\/strong> (L), Table Mountain<\/strong> (Center, R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near Iceberg Lake’s outlet<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From Iceberg Lake, the trail turned SW before curving S again to cross the outlet stream, one of the main sources of Wells Creek.\u00a0 Nearby, this stream flowed into Mazama Lakes, two small lakes very close together.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to cross Iceberg Lake’s outlet stream<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Convenient stepping stones so you don’t have to get your paws wet, if you don’t want to. Worked in mid-August!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mazama Lakes<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the S end of the smaller lake, which was little more than a pond, Wells Creek plunged into a deep canyon to the W.<\/p>\n

Sounds like a big waterfall down there, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The smaller Mazama Lake<\/strong>. An unseen waterfall leaves its far end. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sure did!\u00a0 The little stream made quite a roar as it exited the tiny lake.\u00a0 Would have been fun to go take a look, but if Lupe still hoped to climb Table Mountain, she needed to press on.<\/p>\n

Whether climbing Table Mountain would even be possible, though, was increasingly in doubt.\u00a0 The Chain Lakes trail crossed a big rock slide as it left Mazama Lakes.\u00a0 Looking back, fog was sweeping in.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leaving Mazama Lakes<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mazama Lakes<\/strong>. Getting foggy! Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the rock slide. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gaining elevation again, the Chain Lakes trail became increasingly steep as Lupe continued past the rock slide.\u00a0 Fog came and went, but returned more and more frequently.\u00a0 A rounded ridge or hillside could sometimes be seen ahead.\u00a0 When Loop got there, the trail turned SE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the open ridge<\/strong> or hillside<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The map showed a W route up Table Mountain somewhere not too far along this next trail section.\u00a0 Should be on the L.\u00a0 SPHP kept an eye out for it, as Lupe went through a forested stretch.\u00a0 Sure enough, she soon came to some kind of a trail that started up a steep slope on the L.\u00a0 No signage here, and the side trail was covered with branches, apparently to discourage its use.<\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Maybe not such a good idea?\u00a0 Sticking with the Chain Lakes trail, Lupe kept going.<\/p>\n

Upon leaving the forest, a long stretch of trail could be seen curving up to a much bigger open ridge.\u00a0 Views should have been spectacular along in here, but Loop enjoyed only occasional blurred glimpses of what was across the valley.\u00a0 Most of the time, she just trotted on through the fog.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the next big ridge (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The rather disappointing typical view.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the next ridge, Lupe came to a 3-way junction.\u00a0 By now, about the only thing that was clear was that the American Dingo wasn’t going to get to climb Table Mountain.\u00a0 No sense in expending that much effort in a dense gray fog.\u00a0 However, she could still go past Artist Point to Huntoon Point<\/span><\/a> (5,247 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which was lower, and also had a trail to it.<\/p>\n

What do you think, Looper?\u00a0 Want to tag Huntoon Point?\u00a0 Not going to see a thing, but at least it counts as an ascent for the day.<\/em><\/p>\n

Huntoon is kind of a pointless point, aye, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Afraid so, Loop.\u00a0 Your call.\u00a0 Doesn’t really matter to me.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog was in favor.\u00a0 Turning R at the junction, she’d only been going a few minutes, when a friendly young couple appeared out of the fog.\u00a0 Fortunately, SPHP stopped to chat with them.\u00a0 Right away they set SPHP straight.\u00a0 This wasn’t the way to Artist or Huntoon Point.<\/p>\n

This was the Ptarmigan Ridge trail.\u00a0 Artist Point would have been a L turn back at the junction.\u00a0 They were heading back that way right now.<\/p>\n

The fog suddenly cleared.\u00a0 The young couple was right!\u00a0 Artist Point and Huntoon Point were visible along a ridge more than a mile E.<\/p>\n

Fog immediately swept over the ridge again.\u00a0 The vision vanished, and so did the young couple, eager to be on their way.<\/p>\n

Nice to know I’m in the good paws of such an experienced navigator!\u00a0 After all these years, can’t you even read a map, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, hush, uppity Dingo!\u00a0 You know how it is!\u00a0 Easy to get lost in the fog.\u00a0 No visual clues, and fog always makes it seem like one has gone a whole lot farther than is actually the case.<\/em><\/p>\n

Especially when the fog is in your brain, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

No doubt!\u00a0 Well, whatever.\u00a0 I plead guilty.\u00a0 So what?\u00a0 Get over it.\u00a0 C’mon!\u00a0 Onward, Puppy ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe went back to the junction, and this time headed for Artist Point.<\/p>\n

Traversing a steep slope, the trail was flat now.\u00a0 Progress was rapid.\u00a0 Soon it seemed like there was less fog.\u00a0 Artist Point kept appearing and disappearing from view.\u00a0 Now and then, Lupe could see across the valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for Artist Point<\/strong> (Center). Huntoon Point<\/strong> (R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
View to the SE. Huntoon Point<\/strong> (L). Mount Ann<\/span><\/a> (5,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was meant to be.\u00a0 Loopster wasn’t far from Artist Point when a rough trail appeared going up the slope to the N (L).\u00a0 At this precise moment, the sun broke through the clouds.\u00a0 Wonder of wonders, blue sky!\u00a0 SPHP paused to check the map.<\/p>\n

This is it, Loop!\u00a0 Start of the Table Mountain trail!<\/em><\/p>\n

I thought we passed it way back there, remember, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

That was the W approach.\u00a0 This is the E route.\u00a0 If it’s going to turn sunny, we can still go!<\/em><\/p>\n

Looking up, the nearly vertical E end of Table Mountain was in sight.\u00a0 Two people were up there!\u00a0 Winding their way down the mountain, they were going pretty fast.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
E end of Table Mountain<\/strong> (L) from the Chain Lakes trail. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

C’mon, Loop!\u00a0 Let’s go talk to them!<\/em><\/p>\n

Setting off on the rough side trail, a short climb got Lupe up to a clearing on a ridge.\u00a0 Turned out that there was another 3-way trail junction here.\u00a0 Maybe a good spot to wait for the 2 hikers.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting up the very rocky trail. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An older couple soon appeared.\u00a0 They were happy to chat.\u00a0 The trail up Table Mountain wasn’t as difficult as they’d been led to believe.\u00a0 Despite constant exposure on the way up, the trail was good.\u00a0 Plenty wide, just have to be a little careful.\u00a0 Once on the summit plateau, the rest is easy.\u00a0 Absolutely gorgeous!<\/p>\n

No one at all left up there now!\u00a0 Oh, and one more thing.\u00a0 No pets, due to some loose rock and the exposure.<\/p>\n

And with that, they were on their way.<\/p>\n

What?\u00a0 No pets!\u00a0 Lupe had seen lots of dogs on the Chain Lakes trail.\u00a0 No one had a problem with them.<\/p>\n

Tough break, SPHP!\u00a0 Guess you’ll have to wait here.\u00a0 I’ll tell you all about it when I get back!\u00a0 Might want to brush up on your map reading till then.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hey, now!\u00a0 They meant you, not me, crazy Dingo!\u00a0 You’re the pet.\u00a0 Besides, they said not a soul is up there.\u00a0 Might well be true, as foggy as its been.\u00a0 Let’s go sneak a peek at what’s involved.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure enough, Lupe passed 2 no pets signs in the forest before emerging where she had a clear view of Table Mountain’s E end.\u00a0 Both signs were old and almost falling over.\u00a0 SPHP wasn’t impressed.<\/p>\n

Doesn’t look like they really care, Looper.\u00a0 We came more than 1,000 miles for this, and won’t be bothering anyone.\u00a0 Let’s have at it.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
E end of Table Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail up was awesome!\u00a0 Loose rocks?\u00a0 Yes, some, but Looper didn’t make any of them tumble.\u00a0 Mostly solid rock.\u00a0 Exposure?\u00a0 Yes, but the trail was always 3 or 4 feet wide.\u00a0 It wound ever higher in spectacular fashion.\u00a0 Soon the American Dingo was looking down on both Artist Point and Huntoon Point.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Awesome route! Despite appearances, completely non-technical. Just a walk-up.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Artist Point parking lot<\/strong> (Center) with Huntoon Point<\/strong> beyond it. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the top.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A bigger climb than it appeared, but it didn’t take that long for Lupe to reach the end of the exposed part of the trail.\u00a0 As the terrain leveled out, the trail curved W around the S side of a hill.\u00a0 Instead of following it, Lupe climbed the hill.\u00a0 A couple of minutes got her to HP5553<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

4:30 PM, HP<\/span>5553<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, Table Mountain’s E summit<\/em> –\u00a0 Wow!\u00a0 Incredible!\u00a0 It was another world up here!\u00a0 Table Mountain had a much more alpine feel than the Chain Lakes trail did.\u00a0 Lots of rock, patches of snow, blue-green tarns.\u00a0 A few trees, mostly along the steep S edge of the mountain.\u00a0 The broad summit plateau stretched nearly 0.75 mile to the true summit at the far W end.<\/p>\n

Lupe stood at the absolute high point of the E summit next to a small cairn.\u00a0 A taller one rested nearby on a lower rock formation.\u00a0 The older couple was right!\u00a0 Absolutely gorgeous up here!\u00a0 Only one disappointing development.\u00a0 Blue skies had been a fleeting phenomenon.\u00a0 None now.\u00a0 Whole sky was gray again, all the higher peaks hidden in the clouds.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At HP5553<\/span><\/strong>, Table Mountain’s E summit<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Table Mountain’s N Ridge<\/strong> (R, beyond Lupe). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Same view with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, to have been here on a clear day!\u00a0 Why had the sun appeared, then forsaken the Carolina Dog?\u00a0 Mere glimpse of Mount Shuksan<\/span><\/a> (9,131 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and no sign at all of Mount Baker<\/span><\/a> (10,781 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Shuksan<\/strong> (Center) from HP5553<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was what it was.\u00a0 Lupe was going to have to make the best of it.\u00a0 Still awesome up here!\u00a0 At least the local surroundings were all visible.\u00a0 Far better fortune than she’d been resigned to half an hour ago.\u00a0 Along the S edge of the summit plateau, the Table Mountain trail wound W toward the true summit.<\/p>\n

Looks like fun, SPHP!\u00a0 C’mon, let’s get there before the whole mountain is socked in again!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A fabulous adventure ahead! Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe headed W, picking up the trail again shortly before reaching a low spot where a big snowbank was melting away.\u00a0 Clearly, a frosty frolic was in order!\u00a0 Looper ran off to complete the mission.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Snow! Lovely, deliciously cold, snow! Mazama Dome<\/strong> (Center) in the clouds beyond Table Mountain’s N ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The whole trek W was a grand time!\u00a0 A rumpled summit plateau made for a fair amount of up and down along the way.\u00a0 To Loopster’s delight, the Table Mountain trail actually crossed more snowbanks.\u00a0 By the forest along the S edge, it circled past a shallow tarn.\u00a0 Beneath the moody sky, there were rocky ascents and declines as wisps of fog sailed by.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to cross a snowbank.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Circling a shallow tarn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe had a blast exploring both on and off trail.\u00a0 The final rocky ascent to the true summit region at the W end of the plateau began all too soon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Closing in on the W end of the summit plateau. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading up.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Near the end, SPHP lost the trail again, making a short, but very steep scramble necessary.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking back from the top of the mini-scramble. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not much farther now!\u00a0 A last push higher, and the terrain began to level out.\u00a0 A forested high point was visible along the S edge of the mountain.\u00a0 At first, it appeared to be the true summit, but getting closer, a similar hillock obviously a bit higher appeared even farther W.<\/p>\n

By now, Loop had rediscovered the trail, which continued on toward the second high point.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final rocky climb ahead. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5:26 PM, 48\u00baF, Table Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a> (5,742 ft.)<\/strong><\/span> –\u00a0<\/em>Foggy.\u00a0 Lupe stood on a flat rock at the top of a rise only 10 or 12 feet higher than the surrounding territory.\u00a0 A few trees and stumps took up much of the space on Table Mountain’s true summit, which was only 10 feet in diameter.<\/p>\n

No indication of a survey benchmark, despite one shown on the map.\u00a0 No registry, or even a cairn.\u00a0 Under current circumstances, two small tarns to the NE at the base of this knoll were the only view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Success! Table Mountain’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Outlaw American Dingo on Table Mountain<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Paw shaking time, Loopster!\u00a0 Congratulations on your successful ascent!\u00a0 Never would have believed it only a little while ago.<\/em><\/p>\n

Thanks, SPHP!\u00a0 Might I take this opportunity to mention that paw shaking time is also chocolate coconut bar time?<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP found a spot to sit down.\u00a0 Showing true dedication while curled up on SPHP’s lap, the Carolina Dog did her best to lighten the pack of any lurking chocolate coconut bars, a project completed in jig time.<\/p>\n

Born on a W breeze, fog streamed by, intermittently hiding even the nearby tarns to the NE.\u00a0 Occasionally the view opened up.\u00a0 Huge valleys were visible then, but not the surrounding peaks.\u00a0 A small tarn could be seen way down on a flat region to the N.<\/p>\n

Conditions eventually improved.\u00a0 Far to the W, a bright patch of yellow sky appeared along the horizon.\u00a0 End of the clouds?\u00a0 Yellow brightness slowly grew, as if coming this way, but never seemed to get any closer.\u00a0 Then, suddenly, the lower glacier-clad slopes of Mount Baker cleared.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Baker<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Baker<\/strong> beyond Coleman Spire<\/strong> (L) and Lasiocarpa Ridge<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the two tarns to the NE, another heavily forested high point looked to be about the same elevation.\u00a0 The possibility that it might be the true summit couldn’t be ruled out from here.<\/p>\n

We ought to investigate.\u00a0 Ready to do a little more exploring, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

Already tired of sitting, the American Dingo was all for it.\u00a0 Going around the W end of the two tarns, she headed for the competing high point.\u00a0 SPHP kept an eye on Mount Baker, hoping more might be revealed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Down by the twin tarns. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Baker<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Over at the competing high point, Lupe sniffed about the highest ground to the extent possible, but the forest was so dense that it was difficult to maneuver.\u00a0 Couldn’t see the first high point at all from here, so it really wasn’t possible to tell if this was actually the true summit, or not.<\/p>\n

No survey benchmark, no cairn, not even a path into this thicket!\u00a0 Don’t think this is it, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the competing high point.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Farther NE, more high points were visible out on open terrain.\u00a0 Lupe ventured that way.\u00a0 Fun and interesting territory, but definitely lower.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
N portion of the true summit region<\/strong>. HP5553<\/span><\/strong> (lower E summit) visible at (Center). Mount Shuksan<\/strong> (R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6:19 PM, Table Mountain<\/em> – Returning to the consensus true summit, the American Dingo sat on the highest rock for the final time, Mount Baker still partially on display beyond her.\u00a0 Sadly, time to go.<\/p>\n

Table Mountain has been a blast, SPHP!\u00a0 So glad we got to come here.\u00a0 Nothing against Huntoon Point, but this had to be better!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, it’s been fun, Looper.\u00a0 Funny how things work out sometimes.\u00a0 The only brief sunny moment of the whole day at the right spot made all the difference.\u00a0 Never would have happened without that encouragement.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments at Table Mountain’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The fun wasn’t over yet!\u00a0 Lupe had the whole return along the length of the entire summit plateau to look forward to, followed by that awesome snaking exposed route down off the mountain.<\/p>\n

SPHP kept an eye on it, but Mount Baker’s summit never fully emerged from the clouds.\u00a0 Still some gorgeous views of the rest of the mountain, though, in the evening light.\u00a0 Lupe sniffed and ran to her heart’s content on the magnificent plateau.\u00a0 Progress was rapid going E, since it was mostly downhill this way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Baker<\/strong> (Center) during the descent. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A glorious Dingo playground!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7:29 PM<\/em> – The sky was about as clear as it had been all day long when Lupe reached the official start of the Chain Lakes and Table Mountain trails at Artist Point.\u00a0 The giant parking lot and the road leading up to it from Austin Pass were new, open today for the first time after repair.<\/p>\n

Perhaps why only a few vehicles were here this evening?\u00a0 Lupe went over to join the small crowd gathered to see Mount Baker at sunset.\u00a0 Sherman Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,160 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was visible from this perspective, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Start of the Chain Lakes and Table Mountain trails at Artist Point.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sherman Peak<\/strong> (L of Center), Mount Baker<\/strong> (R) from Artist Point<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just in time!\u00a0 Two minutes after reaching Artist Point, fog came boiling up out of the valley to the S.\u00a0 The show was over.\u00a0 Sherman and Baker vanished in an instant.\u00a0 The fog was so dense that SPHP had a hard time finding the road leaving the parking lot.<\/p>\n

The rest was easy.\u00a0 A pleasant brand new road hike all the way down to Austin Pass.\u00a0 Lupe was soon below the fog.\u00a0 She wasn’t far from the end, when the clouds to the E fled, revealing Mount Shuksan<\/span><\/a> (9,131 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Shuksan<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s RAV4 (blue) down at Austin Pass<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Chain Lakes trail and Table Mountain!\u00a0 What a fantastic, memorable day!\u00a0 No doubt would have been even better, if the skies had been blue.\u00a0 Lupe had been lucky, though, and had gotten to see almost everything.<\/p>\n

In any case, there can’t be too many Carolina Dogs that can say they have ever seen Mount Baker from the glorious, fog-swept summit of Table Mountain!\u00a0 (End 8:25 PM, 51\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Baker<\/strong> from Table Mountain<\/strong>, Cascade Range, Washington 8-17-21<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a> \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2021<\/span> Dingo Vacations to New Mexico, Wyoming & the West Coast Adventure Inde<\/strong><\/span>x<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 12 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast! 10:27 AM, Austin Pass, Heather Meadows Recreation Area – A later start than it should have been, but that wasn’t Lupe’s fault.\u00a0 Coming to the North Cascades in Washington had finally paid off as far as escaping the wildfire smoke that … Continue reading The Chains Lakes Loop Trail & Table Mountain, Cascade Range, Washington (8-17-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38370,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1416],"tags":[105,106,1515,1568,26,1527,104,1526,501],"class_list":["post-38396","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1416","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-cascade-range","tag-chain-lakes-loop-trail","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-heather-meadows","tag-lupe","tag-table-mountain","tag-washington"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/IMG_1785-scaled.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38396","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=38396"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38396\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40129,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38396\/revisions\/40129"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/38370"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=38396"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=38396"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=38396"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}