August is typically the month for me to don my walking boots, load my day pack with water, food, binoculars, sunscreen and my camera and head 50-odd miles east on SR 542 into the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest for a few hours hiking.

Without doubt, my favorite hike each and every summer is the nine-mile Chain Lakes Trail. Starting at Bagley Lakes and hiking counter-clockwise, the hike is an unmitigated delight from the very first step to the last some five hours later. The trail is well-maintained and takes me through lush meadows with varied flora and fauna (serenading marmots!) and simply magnificent views of lakes and mountains for the entire hike.

Last year I crept through an ice-cave on the tranquil shores of Bagley Lake just after the quaint stone bridge that affords families with young children the chance to make a smaller loop back to the parking lot. Then began the ascent to Herman Saddle, a sustained but manageable climb above Bagley Lakes under the watchful eye of 9,131 foot Mount Shuksan.

One of the most photographed mountains in the world, Shuksan is a Lummi word meaning High Peak. With occasional breaks to drink water and savor the views all around, Herman Saddle provides a perfect spot to rest and breathe in the magnificent vistas all around you. This is, literally, the high-point of the hike at around 5,400 feet.

At 10,781 feet, Mount Baker looms ahead and will provide inspiration for the remainder of the hike. Table Mountain, Mounts Shuksan and Herman, the serrated North Cascades peaks, lakes , valleys and meadows are all resplendent in a dizzying patchwork of natural wonders. This is a very life-affirming experience!

Continuing down the other side of Herman Saddle, stunning Iceberg Lake came into view and my steps were more cushioned as I proceeded through idyllic grassy meadows until Hayes Lake appeared on the right. There are camping opportunities at Hayes Lake and further on I chilled my feet in aptly named Iceberg Lake

The trail continued on to Mazama Lakes with camping available on the opposite shore and then began a second ascent, this time out of the lake basin and on towards Ptarmigan Ridge. Whilst this second ascent is not as strenuous as the initial climb to Herman Saddle, I had been hiking in the sunshine for over three hours and was slowing down. At the crest I was welcomed by a stretch of snow and panoramic views, again, of Baker and Shuksan.

Whilst this last leg is generally flat it is still incredibly scenic, with Mount Shuksan ahead, Mount Baker behind, Swift Creek and Rainbow valley below and Baker Lake off in the distance. I finished by walking slowly downhill from Artist Point to my car at the Bagley Lake parking lot and to the legendary North Fork Brewery for a well-deserved pint and pizza. Life is good!