It was nice doing this hike on a weekday to avoid the crowds. The first 2/3 of the way to the lake was easy going and clear. Just as we started to gain elevation after the big water fall and crossing the creek (no issues crossing) part of the trail had turned into a small creek from the melting snow (wear waterproof boots) we hit occasional patches of snow in the last mile leading up to the lake. We brought our bathing suits and jumped in to the lake but it was bone chilling cold and only lasted 20 seconds. Overall a good hike. I've also posted a few additional pics at www.fitclimb.com

My brother and I tried to do this hike on Memorial Day Sunday; there was enough snow on the trail that we only made it up to the trailhead after an hour and a half of slogging. Past that point, the trail is so covered with snow as to be inaccessible. There is a very nice small waterfall with a large rocky outcropping next to the trail, though, which is covered in delicate yellow flowers.

My husband tried to take our little one out in the backpack on this hike. The road is closed 6 miles before trailhead. He got out and hike for about 3 miles up the road, but didn't ever make it to trailhead.

The road past Kachess Campground is washboarded and has some snow and ice, but isn't too bad. On a Wednesday, we had the entire trail to ourselves. There is boot-packed snow on much of the trail. The trail could be done in hiking boots, but my YakTrax were a welcome addition. There are a number of creek crossings, which would have been easier with hiking poles. We hiked in a little more than two miles. I can imagine the trail might be a bit brush-crowded in summer, but in winter it feels delightfully roomy, and provides beautiful views of Hibox Mountain and Rampart Ridge. Identifying plants in winter is an interesting exercise. You don't have flowers or fruit to help you out, but there aren't nearly as many plants competing for your attention either. And who knew devil's club looked so interesting without its leaves? We also noted vanilla leaf, rattlesnake plantain, salal, pipsissewa, kinnikinnick, one-sided wintergreen, Oregon-grape and wild ginger. There was a good variety of mushrooms, all frozen solid. We identified sulfur tuft, yellow foot, an elfin saddle, and chanterelle, among others. A hiker a day or two before had clearly been hunting for hedgehog mushrooms, and discarding yellow foot mushrooms along the trail when they turned out not to be hedgehogs. Yellow foot are perfectly good eating, too!

What a sweet hike - well, at least until you hit The Wall. Exit 62 off I-90 and proceed to Kachess Campground. Turn left onto FS 4930 and in maybe a quarter mile turn right at the junction. Four miles later come to a huge parking lot with outhouse. Note - lots of breakins here in Sept and Oct. The trail climbs a bit then saunters lazily along Box Creek. The brush is down, the bugs are gone, and on a beautiful dry November day with sunshine and good spirits, this is a wonderful hike. The rivulets are gushing but easy to cross with trekking poles. Some muddy spots and some minor water (some drainage work and a small culvert would help here) but no problems - until The Wall. At 3 miles you start climbing The Wall. The 100 hikes book describes this as a cruel mile and it is an understatement. Roots, rocks, water, mud up to the waterfall crossing. Then it gets a little easier up to Rachel Lake. The lake is beautiful and so far still liquid. Around the north shore the trail passes a small pond iced over and a little surface snow. The switchbacks up to Rampart Ridge are clear and well engineered. Stunning views of Rachel Lake from the switchbacks. Atop Rampart Ridge is a little snow, about 2 inches. The trail is easy to follow over to Rampart Lakes. Not enough can be said about the beauty of Rampart Lakes but to find them pristine and alone in the November sunshine is a blessing. Ice is forming on the lake surfaces but so far only the smaller lakes are iced over. Mt. Alta still looks clear. It took us about 2.5 hours up and that much down.