The condition of the trail to Rachel Lake and the lake's environs exhibit what can happen when too many nature-loving hikers are unleashed on a fragile landscape. Though you'll enjoy spectacular views at the lake and en route, closer examination reveals a web of way trails stomped into the fragile meadows around the lake. And heavy use and poor trail planning have left the trail in rough condition. You'll splash up a track marred by mud and water, with seasonal streams running down the middle of the trail at times. You'll also fight crowds for the right to that sloppy trail, which receives unbelievably heavy use every weekend in the summer. For maximum benefit visit midweek or after Labor Day.
The trail runs into the forest of the Box Canyon Creek, climbing gradually for the first mile before leveling out for another 1.5 miles. The path stretches along the flank of Hibox Mountain, with occasional views up the face of Hibox and across the valley to Alta Mountain. Mostly, though, the trail stays under the trees, keeping you cool and well shaded as you head for the head of the Box Canyon.
There, at about 2.5 miles, the trail starts upward, climbing steeply as it gains more than 1300 feet in the next mile. That cruel pace is made all the more difficult because of the trail's poor condition. Seasonal streams spring from the headwall slope, trickling down onto the trail until they merge into a muddy stream. Effort has been made to divert the water off the trail tread, but just as soon as one ribbon of water is siphoned off, another streams down to take its place.
At about 3.5 miles out, just as your legs are getting weak and your lungs are burning from the climb, the trail levels out and rolls through the splashing spray at the foot of a gorgeous and refreshingly cool fantail waterfall. Stop for pictures and a moment of rest before tiptoeing along the logs that cross the creek below the falls.
The next 0.5 mile of trail climbs more moderately before thrusting you out onto the sunlit shores of Rachel Lake. Try to stay on the primary trail around the lake--too many boots have stomped across the fragile heather and moss meadows, creating a web of way trails that are slow to heal.
Find a suitable rock on which to relax while enjoying the views of the broad lake and the towering wall of Rampart Ridge beyond.
The hike to Rachel Lake was
lovely. four miles, lots of water, through trees, wildflowers, and a climb. ...
The hike to Rachel Lake was lovely. four miles, lots of water, through trees, wildflowers, and a climb. The ten year olds did just fine although we carried their packs. The flys were horrid. We got to the lake and were greeted my many campers and a zillion mosquitos. We spent the entire time either moving quickly, submerged in the icy lake or in our tents. The bugs were really nasty horrid and memorable. Left the kids with their Dad and up up up to the top of the world, through more wildflowers, snowy ponds, up the rocks to unforgetable views. 2 men were sitting high on a rock overlooking the world reading latin to each other. Nice touch. Back to Rachel lake, home of 1,000,001 mosquitoes and black flies for the night. Sunday the bugs got up before we did so we hiked out early and headed to XXX Rootbeer in Issaquah. We earned it! [Webmesiter note: I have long suspected that the Rachel Lake area was infested by ancient Romans!]
Ah, another
lovely day in the woods. Trail is in good shape, save for loads o' blowdown. ...
Ah, another lovely day in the woods. Trail is in good shape, save for loads o' blowdown. Trees seem to be broken off this season rather than uprooted. An easy hike led us to Rachel Lake, after pausing for a bit of water we trudged up to Rampart Lakes. For an area obviously heavily used, the meadows here are pristine. Saw a little, snow, hardly got to walk on any. Sorry to report, no naked man sightings on this hike, see Yellow Aster Butte and Blanca Lake reports if you want to know what I am talking about. I really even mention this for the amusement of our Web'meister... Rampart Lakes are stunning in the classic Alpine Lakes way. We then continued along the ridgeline to Lila Lakes, nice but no match for the other lakes we'd seen. I'd camp there if I were dumb enough to go up on the weekend. Today's frolics were relatively bug-free compared to last week's Yellow Aster Butte-bugfest. I still had to put on Jungle Juice Plus three times. If you see a lovely lady drinking beer in Fremont with a big bite on her cheekbone, that would be me. I'm going to try very hard not to scratch it!!! All in all a nice 14-mile day. The Ble Angels buzzed us twice, I feel so 'connected' with Seafair being 7 miles from the car watching the airshow...harumph. See you in line buying more bug juice for next week. [Webmesiter: The webmesiter is un-amussed by the lack of nudity in your report, but since I live in Fremont I'll keep my eyes open for bug-biten babes guzzling beer.]
From Seattle take I-90 east to exit 62 (signed "Kachess Lake"). Turn left from the exit ramp and drive northeast on Kachess Lake Road (Forest Road 49) toward Kachess Lake. Follow the signs to Lake Kachess Campground. Turn left on FR 4930, which leads about 4 miles to a large parking lot and the trailhead at the road's end.
Information about this hike provided in partnership with
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