If you are looking for a good swim spot, skip Rachel Lake and press on to Rampart Lakes. There is something for everyone here: cliff jumps for the brave, bubbling streams for the littles, and shallows and deeps for everyone. The water is cold, but the rocks are sunny and warm (until 6pm)

As noted in previous reports, the mosquitoes are still out for blood at the lakes, but the breeze on our trip seemed to keep them from becoming overwhelming. Thanks to previous reports, we were prepared, so it wasn’t a vibe killer.

Actually finding the lakes wasn’t as straightforward as I expected. As noted in the hike description, it’s a bit of a maze. We ended up missing all lakes until we stumbled upon the very last one and had to backtrack. My advice is to head right as soon as you encounter the first small tarn (or use GPS like a modern human).

If you have time, the side quest up Alta Mountain is well worth the effort. It’s about a 3-hour round trip from Rampart Lakes and the views are simply incredible. We chose to do this after dinner and arrived in time for sunset. Pro tip 1: Don’t get tricked by false summits. There is at least one that is quite convincing. Pro tip 2: Navigating the aforementioned maze of trails in the dark to find your campsite is not recommended.

We passed quite a few day hikers and backpackers on our way out on Saturday, so arrive early on prime hiking days.

I’m thankful that the four of us were able to safely complete the hike to Alta Mountain Peak once again after 12 years. On the way up, there was a lot of fog, which actually made it cooler and kept the mosquitoes away, so it was nice. We pushed ourselves to reach the waterfall—about 2.5 miles—without taking a break, and after a short rest at Rachel Lake, we headed straight for the summit.

As we walked along the ridge, the fog was so thick that we couldn’t see the next false summits ahead. But after passing several false summits, we finally reached the last one. While enjoying the stunning surrounding views during lunch, the fog began to lift, revealing Hi Box Peak front us and the beautiful Lila Lake below, along with Rachel Lake and even distant Rampart Lake. The views on the way down were truly a feast for the eyes.

Descending past the Rachel Lake wasn’t as pleasant, with endless downhill stretches, exposed tree roots, and narrow trails—but we consoled ourselves with the breathtaking ridge views we had seen earlier. Since this will likely be my last time on this trail, it held deep meaning for me.

TL;DR - Pack your bug spray for this one, and maybe hiking poles if you have them.

More details:

My plan today was Alta Mountain or Alta Mountain Tarns, but by the time I got to Rachel Lake it was windy and rainy and everything above the lake was in the clouds, so I turned around at the lake.

The road in wasn't too bad, just a little bit of washboard. There were very few cars in the lot (it was Wednesday). Of the 15 or so people I encountered, about half were heading in to camp.

The trail needs a little work right now. There are multiple blowdowns. Only two of them were challenging to cross. The brushy parts on the valley walk portion are closing in on the trail. If there's been rain or dew, you'll get wet from the brush. Since there was light rain today, my legs got soaked.

There are quite a few water crossings still, especially in the first portion of the trail, but there's nothing you can't cross in trail runners if you're careful. Poles might help.

When the elevation starts, the trail braids in a few places. It's pretty easy to get off trail, but also pretty easy to find your way back. Any markers that helped keep you on trail are no longer there. It's probably not anything you'd need GPS for though. 

The lake was beautiful with the low clouds today. The waterfalls on the way up were nice and full. The views came and went from the viewpoints, but were still pretty.

Even though there was a stiff wind at the lake today, the bugs were still noticeable, so I'm guessing on a sunny, calm day they might be pretty bad. I used bug spray even with the wind. On the way up they were only noticeable when I stopped to take pictures of the creek and waterfalls. Bring the bug spray or head net, or whatever you use, especially if you're camping.

Overgrown and wow mosquitos. Couldn’t enjoy the lake without being eaten alive. We neglected to bring bug spray so your results may vary with better preparation. Beautiful otherwise just be prepared to be eaten.

TLDR: Long, often times rugged, trail with amazing views high up. 

Road: Any car can make it, it's a mix of paved and fine gravel (It's dusty, though. Consider a good car wash after 😉)

Trail Conditions: 

• Some areas are overgrown and brushey.
• Trail felt consistently rocky and rooty, so would recommend good sturdy shoes and poles. Did not see much of your typical "cascade grade highway" here. 
• I am honestly shocked at how many times I got off trail going up to Rachel Lake. I consider myself to be focused, but I lost the trail a couple times and had to backtrack (nothing too serious, but again, surprising). 
• No snow, unless you attempt the Rampart Ridge scramble.
  • There is snow in the gully that is quickly melting.
• Ample water sources along the trail, excluding the trail the Alta Mountain
• Bugs: I got eaten alive by mosquitos. Swarmed everytime I stopped, but not a problem while moving, or when on the high ridges of Alta and Rampart. Bug net and repellent advised. 

Trip Stats: 

• TH to Rachel Lake:
  • 3.5mi, ~1900ft of Gain (WTA is wrong!)
  • ~2.5mi of this is a flat-ish, ambling forest walk, than it shoots straight up. Be prepared!
• Rachel Lake to Rampart Lakes Junction:
  • ~.4mi, ~430ft of Gain
• Junction to Rampart Ridge Peak (Scramble)
  • ~1.4mi, ~830ft of Gain
• Junction to Alta Mountain 
  • ~1.3mi, ~1000ft Gain

Trail Plan: 

Hiked from Rachel Lake TH to Rachel Lake, then went to Rampart Lakes, then scrambled up to Rampart Ridge Peak. Descended, then hiked to Alta Mountain. Descended back to Rachel Lake, and then back to TH. 

Takeaways: 

• First time doing this trail - the trail to Rachel lake is a beautiful shaded forest walk
  • On the way up, it went by really quickly
  • On the way down...holy cow, it felt like it went on forever. Be mentally ready. 😂
• Some water crossings that require attention, but are easily navigable. Kept things interesting. 
• The ascent to Rachel Lake is very rocky, rooty and brush-ey. It started to annoy me, but that's just me. 
• The meadows above Rachel lake is the highlight. Beautiful tarns and lakes. Worth the additional mileage and gain (if you have time and energy to explore). I am envious of backpackers who stayed overnight! 
• The scramble to Rampart Ridge was great - very straightforward, and was pleasantly surprised to see a trail going 3/4 of the way to the actual peak. Amazing views from up top. 
  • The are multiple ways to get to the high point, I chose the exposed slabs, but descended along the ridge-line using 2nd class moves. Experienced scramblers will have no trouble negotiating this. I wore my helmet, and wore my mountaineering boots. Probably overkill, but best to be safe. 
• The snow made for an easy quick descent. Good water sources to filter along the way down. 
• Alta Mountain is beautiful, but sheesh, SO MANY FALSE SUMMITS - make sure you have energy, water.
  • I'd say: even if you stopped mid-way, not sure if the final views are much different. Anywhere along that ridgeline is a worthy stopping point. 😀
  • If Alta is your main objective, start early to avoid being baked under the sun. My mistake was doing Rampart Ridge first, then Alta. Got cooked out there, which made the going slow.