The trail up to Rachel Lake was in fine shape, nothing wrong at all aside from a couple of snow patches near the end. The lake is free of snow, but the ridge above still has snow around. It was very pleasant there, except a few bugs that were hanging around. I took a scramble up the west end of the lake up to Rampart Lakes (I know the area is already overused, sorry, but I really just got turned around and was too far out to go back). I reached them up near the higher end, which was still in snow. I had lunch up there, with great views of Hibox and Alta Mountain from a knoll between Rampart and Rachel lakes. I decided to go back down on the trail from Rampart Lakes, but I had trouble finding the main trail back through the maze of small lakes and ponds. I spent about 45 minutes making my way back through, finally finding the main trail down as it descended down the ridge. The way down was hotter and seemed longer, but overall it was a fine day. Not many people there, thankfully, I can imagine it getting unpleasantlt crowded on the weekends. I suggest waiting a couple of weeks if you want to see rampart lakes in spring.

The trail to Rachel Lake is nearly snow-free. The stream crossing at the foot of the steep section (about 2-1/2 miles in) currently has a decent log for crossing, about 10 yards upstream of the normal trail. About halfway up the steep section there is another stream crossing but logs and rocks have been placed so it also can be done without foot-wetting. It was too windy for decent fishing, at least I got no bites. Everyone enjoyed saying hi to my dog.

This trip was a 'consolation' prize of sorts. We had planned to climb Mt. Adams July 14-16, but were foiled by the fire that broke out Sunday evening. We were so glad to have learned of the fire BEFORE the 5 hour drive to trailhead! So where to go with 5 big strong boy scouts with packs packed? With so many places still under snow, we chose Rachel lake area because we knew it well & felt sure we could find our way around regardless of snow. As reported, the trail is nearly snowfree to the lake. It was beautiful weather, not too hot, with a nice breeze to keep bugs to a minimum. The next morning we started out for Rampart Ridge and Alta Mtn. The short trail(500'vertical) to gain the ridge is mostly snowfree, but once on the ridge there is still 5-6'. We continued over snow to find the junction for Alta mtn. trail. Because of southeastern exposure, the trail up Alta Mtn. was nearly snowfree. As we gained elevation we could see the whole basin still covered in snow. Lila lakes were just beginning to peak out with their turquoise water. It looked like only one of the Rampart Lakes was melted out. All others were still white. Once on top we could see the fire on Adams that were we happy to be far,far away from. The author misplaced her trekking poles somewhere near the top of Alta. If anyone finds them, please let me know! Back down at Rachel, we had lunch & headed out. Splendid group of young men and nearly perfect weather made for a nice alternative to our original plan. We will head to Mt. Adams in September we hope!

This was our first hike of the summer and we got a bit lost in last mile due to snow on trail, but once we found Rachel Lake...beautiful! Trail has nice terrain, waterfalls,flowers,creeks etc.We will be back! The biggest waterfall on the trail, was just amazing...I guess this was good time to see waterfalls as I believe later in the summer waterfalls will not have so much water...;-)Just to note that last mile of the hike before Rachel Lake is steep and if sunny day, reserve a lot water to tackle it!

Lake is mostly ice free now and the trail is very doable in terms of snow. There is still snow on part of the trail, but nothing that isn't manageable. Several people that day couldn't find the lake because they followed footprints in the wrong direction, but if you keep an eye out for the actual trail and not the footprints in the snow, most of the trail to the lake is exposed and you shouldn't have to find trails in the snow for long. Stream crossings have plenty of rocks and logs to get across - we never had to take off our shoes, but were prepared just in case. Beautiful lake!