Lake · Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Chain Lakes
19.7 mi round tripLong dayDay hike: Free self-issueOvernight: Free self-issue
Get alerts for this hikePermits and reservations
Day hikeFree self-issue
Fill out the free wilderness permit at the trailhead kiosk.
OvernightFree self-issue
No reservation. Use the same free permit, keep groups to 12 or fewer, and camp at least 200 ft from water.
Alpine Lakes Wilderness rules from the Forest Service. Matched from official wilderness boundaries. Always confirm with the land manager before you go.
About the trail
Distance19.7 miRound trip, out and back
Elevation gainNot measuredTotal climb, round trip
Lake elevation5,676 ftFrom elevation data
Overview
Chain Lakes is a lake reached by a 19.7-mile round trip from Pacific Crest - Stevens North Trailhead. The route follows Pacific Crest Trail, then Icicle Creek Trail, then Chain Lakes Trail to the shore.
Photos from hikers
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What you need
Parking and passes
Forest Service trailhead: display a Northwest Forest Pass or an interagency pass (America the Beautiful).
Buy a Northwest Forest PassGetting there
The hike starts at Pacific Crest - Stevens North Trailhead. Save directions offline before you leave, since mountain roads often lose cell service.