Ngie and I started from the Lake Laura Backdoor trailhead at 8:05 am this morning and got to the summits of Alta Mountain, Rampart Ridge, and Dungeon Peak. Long day as we finished at 6:00 pm, just under 10 hrs. Our three peak adventure was 12.6 miles with 5800 ft elevation gain.
We went up to Alta Mountain first and then on the way back, just past the last of the Rampart Lakes, we took the trail to the right that went up to Rampart Ridge. This trail is super steep and once up at a saddle, this trail heads to the right and heads up steeply to the summit of Rampart Ridge. Once up near the summit there is some scrambling to get to the top. To the left is no good as it is all cliffs. Straight up is OK but there are some 2-3 foot steps to negotiate. Dropping down about 20-40 on the right and coming up that way is a little easier. I came down this way, and it felt a lot easier to me.
Once back down from the summit of Rampart Ridge, and at the saddle, we took a right and followed this trail down to where it hooked with the trail se took this morning to get to Rampart Lakes from Lake Lillian. This section of trail was really cool, and was tarn central, as we ran into quite a few on this stretch. Would definitely recommend this loop if traveling to Rampart Lakes from the backdoor route.
Once back down to Lake Lillian we headed over to the outflow of Lake Lillian side, and headed up to Dungeon Peak. There is not much in the way of a trail up here, and it can be difficult to find the correct way with all the cliffs and drop offs that need to be avoided on the whole trip up. Would only recommend going up to Dungeon Peak for experienced off trail hikers only!!
It was a long day, but super fun. We were in and out of the clouds all day, but that was OK, as the temperature was just right for hiking!! We also saw about 15 lakes and 8 tarns along the way!!
GPS route below
Comments
Maddy on Alta Mountain, Rampart Ridge - Rampart Lakes, Dungeon Peak, Lake Laura Backdoor, Lake Lillian, Rampart Ridge Backdoor
Too bad we didn't cross paths. We got started around 9 and back around 4. Would have been fun to meet you.
Posted by:
Maddy on Aug 19, 2021 09:21 PM
kidz won't hike on Alta Mountain, Rampart Ridge - Rampart Lakes, Dungeon Peak, Lake Laura Backdoor, Lake Lillian, Rampart Ridge Backdoor
We must of just missed you, as it would of been nice to meet you. We were at the outlet of Lake Lillian at 3 pm before heading up to Dungeon Peak. We saw a group heading down to Lake Lillian from Rampart then. It may have been your group!
Posted by:
kidz won't hike on Aug 19, 2021 10:44 PM
Maddy on Alta Mountain, Rampart Ridge - Rampart Lakes, Dungeon Peak, Lake Laura Backdoor, Lake Lillian, Rampart Ridge Backdoor
We were a group of 6. I wont mention any names but at least one of us has a very loud voice and a laugh that is infamous for echoing off of the surrounding mountains...lol. Sorry if we disturbed your peace. When my wife and I go hiking alone we are quiet as a mouse.
Posted by:
Maddy on Aug 20, 2021 06:43 AM
kidz won't hike on Alta Mountain, Rampart Ridge - Rampart Lakes, Dungeon Peak, Lake Laura Backdoor, Lake Lillian, Rampart Ridge Backdoor
LOL!! We did not hear them, but they could not of been any louder than than one of the marmots that had one set of lungs, as it was super loud!! haha
Posted by:
kidz won't hike on Aug 20, 2021 10:02 AM
Dstark424 on Alta Mountain, Rampart Ridge - Rampart Lakes, Dungeon Peak, Lake Laura Backdoor, Lake Lillian, Rampart Ridge Backdoor
Hi Kidz, thanks for the report and your countless others as well. They are all super helpful, and I really appreciate that you add your topo routes. They are great for planning purposes and I love to follow along on the map as I read through your reports.
I'm thinking about taking the rampart ridge backdoor up to Alta in the near future and wanted your opinion on the scrambling difficulty. I've heard some people describe the climb up to the rampart lakes as a steep trek, and others describe it as a scramble, what's your opinion? How does it compare to the Aasgard, or Mailbox old trail? Do you think the trail would be significantly worse after some rain showers? Additionally, how would you describe the climb to Alta in terms of scrambling difficulty? WTA says those with a fear of heights will feel "uneasy"...I have a moderate fear of heights but can usually push through it depending on the difficulty. For reference, the most "scrambling" I've done is recently thru hiking the Enchantments, I've also attempted the Haystack on Mt Si a while ago, but chickened out about 1/2 way up.
Any information/advice you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for all the work you do to put together these thorough and entertaining trip reports!
Posted by:
Dstark424 on Aug 20, 2021 08:40 AM
kidz won't hike on Alta Mountain, Rampart Ridge - Rampart Lakes, Dungeon Peak, Lake Laura Backdoor, Lake Lillian, Rampart Ridge Backdoor
The backdoor route to Lake Lillian and once at Lake Lillian up to Rampart Lakes is extremely steep, like a combo of Mailbox/Aasgard. Ngie had it right on their trip report as it was more like Snoqualmie / Guye. Going up was easy enough, but coming down is a lot harder, as it is easy to slip and fall if not paying attention, as there are some loose rocks and dirt
There is a small are of scrambling to do at the last false summit of Alta, but is pretty easy. Nothing harder than what you would expect to do going up to Gothic Basin.. The little bit of exposure is far enough away as to not be an issue. I have a moderate fear of heights, and had no issue with this part.
I would give it a go, as it is very pretty back there, and you can turn around at any point and still feel like it was a great hike!!
Posted by:
kidz won't hike on Aug 20, 2021 10:45 AM
Dstark424 on Alta Mountain, Rampart Ridge - Rampart Lakes, Dungeon Peak, Lake Laura Backdoor, Lake Lillian, Rampart Ridge Backdoor
Awesome, thanks so much for the info! Happy hiking!
Posted by:
Dstark424 on Aug 20, 2021 02:29 PM
Cathorse on Alta Mountain, Rampart Ridge - Rampart Lakes, Dungeon Peak, Lake Laura Backdoor, Lake Lillian, Rampart Ridge Backdoor
Thanks for your great report. I have not been in the back door in maybe 6 or so years. How is the road status nowadays. One trip, there was a rash of car break-ins when we were there.
Posted by:
Cathorse on Aug 22, 2021 02:40 PM
kidz won't hike on Alta Mountain, Rampart Ridge - Rampart Lakes, Dungeon Peak, Lake Laura Backdoor, Lake Lillian, Rampart Ridge Backdoor
Road was a little rougher than I remembered from the last time I was there with a few more potholes, but the brush was trimmed back further than it was in 2019, which was nice. No scraping the car this time!!
Posted by:
kidz won't hike on Aug 22, 2021 03:30 PM