We spent one night at Lila Lake, a lovely alpine setting that reminds you of any number of high-country lakes in this wilderness, including the Enchantments. We were one of three tents in the area, and we chose a high shelf to set-up our tent so we could watch the shadow of the setting sun off High Box Mt. and its reflection in the lake (see picture). Around 9pm, the full moon, a deep orange thanks to a scrim of wildfire smoke from Yakima, peeked around High Box and began its ascent into the sky. An utterly gorgeous moment, and we only had to drive a little over an hour from Seattle and hike 5.5 miles to experience it.
But it was quite the 5.5 miles! Make no mistake, climbing up to Rachel Lake from the Box Canyon floor, with two backpacks and two sets of 60-plus year-old legs, is no easy jaunt. Once we started up the steep section, it took us two hours hauling ourselves over roots and boulders and up dry creekbeds to reach Rachel. We considered staying there instead of Lila, but after a rest pushed on. The next .5 mile of climbing was not quite as arduous, but be aware that the tread is dry and dusty with lots of loose rock; we were very careful coming back down along this section.
But once you make the turn to Lila and then cross a talus slope, you start to think that you are indeed in some of the best Alpine Lakes backcountry in the Cascades. The final stroll through the meadows was a delight; the plunge into the coldwater bath of the lake a sweat-cleansing finalé.
We awoke to the faint smell of smoke, and then made the return trip, with the views now in a haze. The descent was not really a hike, more like picking your way down a path to avoid tripping and sliding. We stopped for a final dip in the ice cold pools dotting the wide expanse of rock you'll see about a mile from the trailhead. Lots and lots of people hiking up on Friday as we were hiking out.
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