This trail is one of the best for fall colors! Just be ready for lots of muddy spots and puddles.

Had a good day despite mild smoke. Saddened again that people leave doggie bags on the trail, ostensibly intending to pick up on the way out. I don’t believe it for a second, though there was a big pile of em stashed outside the restroom. I love dogs but am Learning to distrust their humans.

The parking lots were mostly filled in the front section at 9am. We went for a spot near the exit of the road loop. There were more on the outer loop road.

This was quite a busy hike on the way to Rachel lake. Many hiker groups were camping the night. We crossed several groups on our way to Alta. Yet, we had the summit to ourselves for some time.

In the morning, there was a temperature inversion clearly visible from the ascent to Rachel lake. The smoke was staying in the upper layer so we only started to smell it within that ascent. But it seemed to disappear as we got to the ridge and started our ascent to Alta.

Despite the smoke, we had great views at the top.

On the way back, we had a short swim at Rachel before a long way back down and then along the valley. The roots/rocks didn't bother me on the way up but they certainly did on the way down.

There were many blueberries on the ridge to Alta but only the highest ones were still good. The rest was past ripe. Still, it was nice to be able to get good ones this late in the year!

Great hike despite the smoke in the distance!

Trailhead privy was clean but out of toilet paper. Be prepared for an initial lull with the first half of the trail relatively flat, and then it ascends so many tree roots and rocks. Some parts of the trail are a bit damp, but the entire trail is doable without any waterproof shoes or trekking poles. Gps was helpful due to many unmarked turnoffs and false ends. Not too many bugs or berries. It was windy at Rachel Lake, but the sun helped warm us up. Water was a bit cold to wade in, we just dipped our hands in. Plenty of other hiking and backpacking parties on a sunny Friday.

Road- 4 miles of gravel, washboard with some smaller pot holes, but a car could make it fine. Arrived at the parking lot around 8:30 AM, only a few cars in the parking lot. Toilets without TP. Trail in good condition going up, some creek crossing but nothing difficult, feet did not get wet. The first 2 1/2 miles are pretty easy grade, however, the last mile up or so is more of a climb, lots of roots, rocks, high steps. Got to Rachel lake and could barely see it, the smoke was thick. I had high hopes that the rain from Sunday would have settled the smoke, but it did not. Alta, Hibox not visible.
Trail to Ramparts (left of toilet sign) is a short way up to the ridge, left at the T. Smoke pretty much made it nearly impossible to capture any views. I walked the ridge to Ramparts and left shortly after, it was hard to breathe. I didnt bring trek poles, but would be helpful for all the down hill.