My first time hiking a trail this long. It is an absolutely BEAUTIFUL trail - lots of waterfalls, variety in views and landscape and a lovely lake at the end. We also had a gorgeous sunny day. There were a lot of streams and places where you have to cross some running water as well as mud. We second guessed ourselves a few times on the path since some parts aren’t obvious and/or look more like streams than trail. I am not an outdoor expert by any means and neither was my friend but we managed to figure it out. Just know that it’s not always obvious and might not be a bad idea to get the map if you’ve never been here and are more on the novice side of hiking. I would absolutely recommend hiking boots because of the mud and water as well as the variety of terrain. We didn’t have poles and weren’t necessary but they wouldn’t be a bad idea if they make you feel more comfortable or help you with endurance.

We got to the trailhead around 8:45 am. Lots of people in the lot but not full. We only saw 2 or 3 groups on the way up. On the way down we passed about 6. Not everyone was wearing a mask which is disappointing but we were and just turned away as they passed. We didn’t stay long at the top because the mosquitos were HORRIBLE. So many mosquitos. There were a lot along the trail (especially by the water of course) but the lake was almost unbearable. You need good repellent. I had on a citronella/lemongrass natural spray - it helped some but was not sufficient. We were back to our car at about 2:30 pm. The parking lot was full.

My legs were tired at the end of the hike but I highly recommend it. Just need to prepare well for mosquitos.

Summary: Very popular hike. Starts gentle, ends difficult. Lake is beautiful and populated. A medium sized parking lot is available with overflow parking down the side of the road.

Got in late around 9:30am. Parking lot was full and cars were lined down both sides of the road. There was still space further down the road but you have to walk a bit extra. No problem for you cause you’re prepared to walk anyway! 

Everyone is required to fill out a free permit at the trail entrance for the Forest Service. The first few miles of the trail wind through beautiful old growth hemlock forest and are flat. Lichen are thriving here! There is one section that is overgrown but not so much that long pants are required. You will see a large waterfall and shortly after you ascend steeply. During the ascent you can observe beautiful wild flowers basking in the sunlight.

The trail is basically a creek bed in some parts of the ascent. There are also several spurs that lead no where so be aware where you’re heading. Nothing difficult in terms of route finding though.

I arrived at the lake around 11:30 and there were many backpackers set up and people fishing. I ventured around the lake a bit to find a socially distant place to eat lunch. There was at least one group who was obnoxious and yelling loudly which was not appreciated. Allow others to enjoy nature people!

The descent was a little easier in terms of route finding since I already knew where to go. I didn’t venture to Lila lake or Rampart lakes but would like to in the future. This area is beautiful and the heavy use speaks to that.

Wow. What a great hike on a beautiful summer day! The first part is very easy and almost no incline. You pass some streams and see some very lovely wildflowers. Then the climb starts. 1,200 ft. in 1 mile. I can say that the ONE mile seemed way longer given how steep the climb is. It took us a while to climb up to the lake but SO worth it once you get there. An amazingly beautiful blue color with great views. We at lunch there and waded in the water - highly recommend bringing water shoes or sandals of some sort as the rocks are sharp and/or slippery. You pass a super cool big waterfall on your way up to Rachel lake. It is a great place to splash your face with some water and take a break. 

I will mention that the climb is up a lot of roots and rocks and slippery rocks at that. Lots of small stream crossings too but totally manageable. I had poles which made me feel more secure. Definitely recommend having supportive hiking boots. This hike is not for running shoes or sandals! Did not make it to Lila or Rampart lakes because we ran out of time and were exhausted but plan to do them next time! 

What a stunning hike!  Can't wait to return for an overnight to some of the other lakes (Rampert, Lila and Alta), but this was a scouting trip success!

The road to the trailhead is filled with potholes, but totally passable.  We arrived on a Sunday morning to the trailhead at 8:30am, with a few parking spots left.  Looks like most had been there overnight, and we had the first half of the trail to ourselves, until we started to encounter those hiking out after backpacking.  

Some parts of the trail where hard to social distance, but almost everyone was great with masks when needed.  

Just really magical trail, some of the prettiest waterfalls!  The lake itself was super clear and really beautiful, found a solitary place to have lunch and let my dog swim.   Hiking back out, the trail was WAY more busy, which certainly impacted how serene, but still beautiful.

Enjoy!

Beautiful overnight to Rampart Lakes. Arrived at the trial head at 8:00 AM. Both lots were full and there were about 20 cars already parked on the road. Not too surprising since it was a beautiful and sunny Saturday in July. Slow going for us with our full packs and the heat. The trail was very crowded but we did have it to ourselves at several points. For the most part everyone was stepping off the trail and wearing masks when passing each other. Thank you to those who are helping keep us all safe and healthy! 

Left the car: 8:30 AM

Arrived at Rachel Lake: 11:00 AM

Break at Rachel (15-20 minutes)

Arrived at Rampart Lakes: 12:30ish PM

The trail is a little tricky to follow about a mile (maybe less) before Rachel Lake when it becomes a creek with tiny waterfalls. It's still pretty easy to follow overall since this is such a heavily traveled trail. Most of the overnight campers seemed to be stopping at Rachel Lake. It was crowded. There's a beautiful waterfall maybe a mile or so before Rachel Lake. Lots of nice places along the trail for you and your dog to enjoy a cool break in water. 

Near the toilet sign at Rachel Lake you will see another sign that says "Trail". Follow that up a few switchbacks to get to the intersection of Rampart Lakes and Lila Lakes trails. Left takes you to Rampart and right takes you to Lila. The trail to Rampart is easy going after the push up the hill from Rachel Lake. There is a trail intersection maybe a 1/4 mile from Rampart Lakes where you can either go straight/left or up/right. Not sure where straight takes you but up and to the right takes you to Rampart lakes. Maybe it all connects around but we didn't explore that way.

Arrived at Rampart Lakes around 12:30ish. It was much quieter than Rachel Lake. We lucked out and were able to get an awesome big campsite right on the first lake. Even though there were many campers there is a lot of space to spread out at Rampart Lakes so it didn't feel too crowded. We were able to social distance very easily from other groups.There are lots of social trails connecting all the small lakes. This is such a magical place with little lakes above lakes and more lakes! 

Spent a beautiful night at the lake. My brother in law stayed up and was able to see the comet NEOWISE. Very clear and beautiful night. Mosquitoes came out around 7:30 PM. Woke up at 4:45 AM to someone flying their drone to see the sunrise. Whomp whomp. Maybe crowds are the price you pay to see this beautiful place. Wish we were able to come mid week. It is likely still crowded but maybe a little less packed. 

Left camp at 9:30 AM and made it back to the car a little before 1:00 PM. It was hot and beautiful. Upper 80's. Poles helped on the way down with the slippery rocks and big steps. 

Enjoy and please recreate responsibly.