Huntoon Trail Point Magic: A Powerful Finale to My Chain Lakes Adventure

After hiking the upper section of the Chain Lakes Loop earlier that morning, I decided to finish the day with a short, scenic walk along the Huntoon Trail. At only 1.5 miles, it seemed like the perfect easy add‑on — a gentle cool‑down after the Bagley Lakes and Herman Saddle views. And at first, it absolutely was.

The trail begins at the large Artist Point parking lot, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Mt. Baker Wilderness. Families, photographers, and casual walkers filled the first stretch of the trail, all drawn to the spectacular vantage points of Mount Shuksan. This section is wide, easy to follow, and incredibly picturesque. The mountain rises in dramatic layers of rock and glacier, glowing in the afternoon light. Even after a full morning of hiking, I felt energized by the scenery.

I reached Huntoon Point quickly, enjoying the sweeping views and the cool alpine breeze. From here, most hikers turn around — and in hindsight, that’s exactly what I should have done. Instead, I decided to complete the full loop, thinking it would be just as straightforward as the first half. It wasn’t.

Beyond Huntoon Point, the trail becomes poorly marked, narrowing into rocky terrain that feels more like a scramble than a maintained path. Cairns are sparse, signage is minimal, and the route drops steeply down loose rock. It’s still beautiful, but far more rugged and confusing than the beginning suggests. Eventually, the trail funnels into a rocky descent that requires careful footing and patience.

While I enjoyed the challenge, I wouldn’t recommend the full loop unless you’re comfortable with uneven terrain and route‑finding. The out‑and‑back to Huntoon Point, however, is absolutely worth it — short, stunning, and accessible for most hikers.

One of the highlights of this outing was seeing Mount Shuksan from a completely different angle than the views on the Chain Lakes Trail. The mountain’s ridges, glaciers, and dramatic contours look almost sculpted from this vantage point. The first section of the trail is especially popular with photographers, and it’s easy to see why.

The last six photos I took that day weren’t actually from the Huntoon Trail — they were captured at scenic pullouts along the Mount Baker Highway, where Shuksan appears in full grandeur. These roadside stops are well worth the pause, offering some of the best mountain views in the region.

Hike date: August 17, 2023.

If You Go

Starting Point — Begin at the Artist Point parking lot, reached via WA‑542. The lot is large and includes restroom facilities.
Trail Type — Hike the trail as an out‑and‑back to Huntoon Point. The loop beyond the point is poorly marked and ends in a rock scramble.
Difficulty — Easy to Huntoon Point; moderate to difficult if attempting the full loop.
Best Time to Visit — July–October, when the road to Artist Point is open and snow‑free.
Scenic Highlights — Mount Shuksan, alpine ridges, meadows, and dramatic viewpoints perfect for photography.
Gear — Bring a camera, sturdy shoes, and a hiking stick if you plan to explore beyond the easy section.
Roadside Views — Several pullouts along WA‑542 offer incredible Shuksan views — great for photos even if you’re not hiking.