Chain of Lakes

A grouping of small lakes in Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Chain of Lakes is a secluded group of lakes near Mt Adams in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. There is a designated dispersed camping area near the largest of the five lakes that make up Chain of Lakes. Two of the lakes are accessible by driving, one by designated trail, and the last two require bushwhacking to access. There is a trail that goes through the area that is open to pedestrians, horses, & OHVs.

Permits/Fees: No fees for dispersed camping or parking at trailhead

Location: Near FS __ in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington, U.S.A.

Administration: Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Ranger District: Cowlitz Valley Ranger District

Note: The lake grouping is named Chain of Lakes, each lake doesn't have an individual name. I denote them by their coordinates and list them 1-5 based on the order I bagged them in. There could be more than the five I list below that make up Chain of Lakes, but based on looking at multiple maps and aerial views of the lakes, I counted five. Also, all the pictures from 8-20-23 are hazy due to wildfire smoke.

Lake	Coordinates	Elevation	Access
Chain of Lakes 1	46.29362, -121.59687	4367'	Drive up
Chain of Lakes 2	46.29485, -121.59552	4366'	Drive up
Chain of Lakes 3	46.29426, -121.59365	4374'	Trail
Chain of Lakes 4	46.29786, -121.59996	4349'	Bushwhack
Chain of Lakes 5	46.29709, -121.60286	4347'	Bushwhack

Chain of Lakes 1

Lake Name: Chain of Lakes (46.29362, -121.59687)

Lake Coordinates: 46.29362, -121.59687

Lake Elevation: 4367'

Access: Drive up

Note: This lake would be best explored by water.

Date Accessed: August 20, 2023

This lake was visible on the drive down FS 022 and was the first lake I went to. The dispersed campground is right next to this lake and you can pretty much drive right up to the edge of it. This lake was a unique shape and the whole lake wasn't visible from the edge I took pictures from. It would be so fun to kayak this lake and explore all its inlets. This lake is the largest in the Chain of Lakes. At the water's edge I saw a big frog, lots of dragonflies, some mosquitoes, and even a few yellow jackets.

Coordinates

• Chain of Lakes Dispersed Campground (no fee): 46.29302, -121.59636

• Lake edge: 46.29327, -121.59648

Chain of Lakes 2

Lake Name: Chain of Lakes (46.29485, -121.59552)

Lake Coordinates: 46.29485, -121.59552

Lake Elevation: 4366'

Access: Drive up

Note: This is either a seasonal lake or just a meadow

Date Accessed: August 20, 2023

So I'm a bit confused by this "lake." On all the topographic maps it shows there being a lake at the above coordinates, but it was a dry meadow with a small foot trail across when I went. There were beautiful purple flowers throughout the meadowy grass. It was beautiful. So either it's a seasonal lake, or there isn't technically a lake here anymore. I'll have to check back at this location earlier in the summer and see if there is any water. On one of the aerial maps I looked at it showed it being dry as well, but from the lack of snow I'm guessing the photos were taken in the late summer/early fall. So I'm including this lake on the assumption that this is a seasonal lake.

Coordinates

• View of meadow from road: 46.29374, -121.59554

Chain of Lakes 3

Lake Name: Chain of Lakes (46.29426, -121.59365)

Lake Coordinates: 46.29426, -121.59365

Lake Elevation: 4374'

Access: Trail

Distance: 0.09 miles (round trip)

Elevation Range: 4355‘ to 4387‘

Ascent/Descent: +32 ft / -24 ft

Trail Type: In & out

Trail: High Lakes Trail #116

Date Accessed: August 20, 2023

This lake was just a short ways down the High Lakes Trail #116. It was only 0.045 miles one way (a few hundred feet) to the lake's edge. The trail was mostly flat and there was a little spur off the trail to the lake's edge. This lake was surrounded by dense bushes, making it difficult to see or take pictures. I had to stand on a stump to take the picture I did with my arms above my head. This lake was fun to bag, but there's not much more you can do with it other than say you've been to it.

Coordinates

• Parking: 46.29399, -121.59476

• Trailhead: 46.29397, -121.59467

• Spur to lake: 46.29442, -121.59422

• Lake edge: 46.29433, -121.59407

Chain of Lakes 4

Not done yet

Chain of Lakes 5

Not done yet

Resources

• MuddyCamper (Chain of Lakes Campground)

• Forest Service (TH)

I was able to find a trip report from a person who dirt biked the High Lakes Trail. So if you're interested in riding trails, I have it linked below. This trail is only open to motorcycles, not ATVs from what I gather.

• TrailForks (OHV)

How to get there (from Trout Lake, WA)

Chain of Lakes 1

• Take Mt Adams Rd for 1.3 miles. Stay left on FS 23 and continue for 23.2 miles. Take a slight right onto FS 2329 and proceed for 1.2 miles. Turn left on FS 022 and continue for 1 mile. Lake 1 is accessed through the dispersed campground.

Chain of Lakes 2

• (From FS 2329 & FS 022 intersection) Take FS 022 for 1.1 miles. "Lake" is on the left side of the road.

Chain of Lakes 3

• (From FS 2329 & FS 022 intersection) Take FS o22 for 1.1 miles to the end of the road.

Map

My Wild Adventure is not responsible for your safety, any possible injury, or anything that happens if you choose to follow anything on this website. Maps are not intended to be used for navigational purposes, but to give an overview of the route taken. By going outdoors you are solely responsible to know your strengths and limitations, be aware of current conditions and proceed with the appropriate caution. My Wild Adventure is not responsible for your choices and the outcome. Reference my disclaimer for more information on being responsible outdoors.