The dogs and I started early for Rachel Lake and Alta Mountain yesterday, with the possibly of Lila Lake as well. We arrived at the TH at 7:15am, the same time as the other first car. We were off on our way within 15 minutes and never saw the other person. We never saw anyone all day until we were headed down from Rachel Lake, and then only 4 people total.

The trail is very muddy right now. This is not entirely unusual for this particular trail, but just be aware your shoes will be wet and muddy. There are a few trees to step over on the trail. One of them was a little tricky for me on the way out because of tendinitis in my hip, being tired, and the height of the log, but that was the only one. It was no big deal on the way in. 

Snow starts just below Rachel Lake intermittently. The lake is not frozen over but you might be hard pressed to find a dry camping spot at this point. The trail around the lake and up Rampart Ridge was about half snow covered and half not. You could use spikes but I didn't put mine on. Once you arrive on Rampart Ridge to the sign to go the direction of Rampart Lakes or Lila Lake, there is a solid two inches of icy snow. 

The trail up Alta Mountain was completely melted out in some places. In other places it was drifted up to my knees. It was definitely a potpourri. We went to the last false summit before I called it because the dogs were making me nervous. I would have gone all the way if I would have been solo, but I've been up there so many times it just wasn't worth the risk of one of the dogs falling. 

Lila Lake is starting to freeze over but is not entirely frozen yet. The Alta Mountain Tarns are all frozen over with a dusting of snow. The trail out to Lila was obviously completely snow covered. I was tired and once we got back down Alta I decided I didn't feel like going out there. 

There are no bugs. There were some crazy birds that startled me a couple times. I guess we startled them too. We saw one deer and a thousand chipmunks. Arrived back to the car around 2:30, feet soaking wet, and was really glad I brought my warm slippers. 

It was a gorgeous day for a hike, before the next storm brings more snow to the higher elevations. The fall colors were still popping in the forested areas, where they haven't been covered by winter. 

Gorgeous fall foliage popped with color on this raining Sunday. Hiking boots soaked but worth it for the quiet. Pay attention to the trail--like trip guide says, it's easy to veer off course. 

I will pick up where the last trip report left off! Hiking this trail on a weekday during shoulder season was an excellent idea. I didn't see anybody for hours and hours; in fact, I had the whole trail and lake to myself until around noon!

Gravel road, as mentioned, is fine. Any car can make it with ease. The beginning flat part of the trail is in excellent shape, only a few trees down and some areas of mud. Then the true fun begins! Without any warning, it pitches straight up and the maze of social trails now begin. I was very glad to have my downloaded Gaia map, because there are for sure some confusing parts. I found that for the most part, it was easiest to get off trail at the switchbacks. There are often VERY convincing and inviting social trails. My best advice is if you find yourself in Narnia, you probably missed a turn, so double back and try to find it. (Also, bring a map or download offline nav!) Also, if you suddenly find yourself on a nicely-graded trail, you are again probably off-trail. Remember, you should be suffering greatly. ;)

I'm someone who likes climbing and a challenge, so in all honesty, I found the obstacle course fun. It reminded me of the trail to Upper Lena Lake in the Olympics. There were plenty of fall colors and mushrooms to look at (although I really should have been paying attention to the trail; my Gaia track looks like I was 100% drunk.)

Trail was snow-free mostly to the lake. During the last few hundred feet, there was some compact ice. The lake was quiet and gorgeous! I then continue on up towards Rampart Ridge. As the WTA description mentions, this trail is much nicer than the one you were on! Epic lake views. This trail to the ridge saw longer patches of compact ice. More ice on top and on the way to Rampart Lakes. I stopped about halfway at a rocky outcropping with a great view to the west. I'll be back in the summer for the other lakes!

The descent needed care. First the ice, then the rocks and roots (the roots especially are slippery.) Was very nice to have poles. I started seeing people about 1/2 mile into my descent. But it was by no means crowded. Rest of trek out was uneventful. Felt incredibly grateful to be in this gorgeous area for perhaps the last day of sun!

Looking for a high country (pretty leaves), low elevation-gain hike I picked this one with the caveat that we would turn around at the Box Canyon Creek crossing, so this report is for that section only.  Normally the Gold Creek Valley trail would be the prime choice, but apparently that's closed now which is very frustrating - as it can be done without the Gold Creek Pond section which is getting a 3-10 year make over.  The forest road to the trail head is in good shape, just a few end of season potholes and a little washboarding.  There is a single (enormous) stay right intersection soon after you pass the turn to Kachess Campground not mentioned in the directions.  If you stay left you head up FR 4948.  Plenty of parking and the outhouses decent but unstocked.  The road in has some lovely fall color.

Temps were below freezing when we arrived, which meant some frozen sections of trail and icy logs on the creek crossings.  Most of the crossings aren't too challenging, but I was thinking my winter boots would have been a better choice as insurance against a wet foot crossing as I disdained the slick logs on offer.  The trail does climb quite sharpy in the beginning which was not unwelcome as a warm up.  The second half to the main creek crossing (right below the head wall), is pretty mellow.  Views were peek a boo with just a couple of decent vistas up to Hibox mountain.  On the return we scooped out the boot trail to Hibox, it's on Gaia and Caltopo, not on our Green trails map, but we were soon climbing over dead fall so didn't go up very far.  There was no snow on the trail, forest road, or in the parking lot, further up there was snowball size patches on the sides.

Temps slowly rose as we made our way back down and we stopped in a lovely sunny patch on some rocks near the creek about two thirds of the way back to the parking lot for lunch.  As we headed back the last section it was like hiking back into fall and we were quite warm by the time we got back to the car.  There is still plenty of fall color and quite a few folks out enjoying it.  I would not want to tackle the rooty climb up to the lake when below freezing, but if you get a warmer sunny day, or just a later start then for sure that's still a good option.

Total mileage came in around six with a gain of around 600 feet.  Other options for this type of hike would be Cooper River, or even Hyas Lake but those take quite a bit more getting to from the west side.  Get it while you can.

Gear (used): GTX Hiking boots, poles, microspikes, gaiters
Gear (unused): N/A
Gear (should have brought): Semi-rigid mountaineering boots, snow pants, snow shoes (for the drift section, perhaps)

Bugs: None observed

Overnight to Rachel Lake (from RL TH). Trail is muddy throughout but not sloppy. Gaiters were useful in the last section; microspikes not required.

Handful of day-hikers present at the lake early-afternoon, then complete solitude later on. Lots of snow patches but able to find a dry camp spot. Nighttime conditions were ~20*F or slightly lower; no wind. Fortunate to have such a popular place to one's self for first overnight trip here. Evening and sunset were utterly brilliant - Rachel Lake truly is stunning esp with fall colors vs snowy contrast.

Late start off to Alta the next day. Trail up from RL was mostly dry; did not require microspikes. Trail towards Lily Lakes also uneventful. Branched off to Alta and put on microspikes shortly after reaching snow. Trail was easy to follow and no real points of concern over the multiple false peaks. Upon reaching the last (and finally viewing the true summit), it was clear there was some deep snow drift present to cross of which I failed to bring snow/gtx pants. It was 3pm by then - and that last section while certainly possible, clearly would have taken some considerable time getting to and from. I decided to turn back to pack camp and egress.