Rachel Lake — Friday, Jun. 27, 2025

I headed out for the Rachel Lake hike with a late start around 1 PM, after an unexpected hour-long delay due to construction work on I-90—definitely something to factor in when planning this trip. The trail, about 4.24 miles long with an elevation gain of 2,398 feet, started off fairly manageable but quickly showed its wilder side. The first 2.5 miles were heavily overgrown, with bushes constantly brushing against my legs—long pants are a must if you want to avoid getting scratched up. As the trail progressed, it became more rugged, with steep sections filled with a maze of thick, exposed tree roots that really test your footing. At times, I had to cross streams, so waterproof shoes and trekking poles came in handy.

To stay on track, I relied on offline maps from AllTrails, which I highly recommend—there are several side trails that could easily throw you off course. One of the standout features of the hike was the abundance of waterfalls and streams along the way. One in particular stood out, a large cascade tumbling over massive rock slabs, marking the point where the trail gets noticeably steeper. Eventually, I reached Rachel Lake, and the effort paid off—despite the light drizzle and chilly conditions at the top, the view was stunning. The lake shimmered in rich green-blue tones, tucked beneath rugged ridgelines. I wasn’t alone either—plenty of backpackers were camped around the lake, enjoying the peaceful alpine setting.

The trailhead had ample parking, which was a relief, but it's important to remember that a Northwest Forest Pass is required. Even with the less-than-ideal weather and the late start, this hike was absolutely worth it. The changing terrain, constant flow of streams, wildflowers along the way, and the serenity of Rachel Lake at the end all made for a memorable and rewarding adventure.