The road there is on gravel for the last 4 miles, but in good condition. I had no issues in a sedan.
The trailhead was very popular, I saw a lot of cars parking on the road. I was lucky though, and got a spot right at the trailhead - someone must have left right before I arrived.
The first almost 3 miles are a leisurely stroll through the forest along the creek. There are a few creek crossings, if you are careful you don't get any wet feet. Then it becomes noticeably steeper, and the trail gets more technical, with roots and rocks. There are a few misleading side trails, but you won't get lost. It took me an hour for the first part (about 2.6 miles), but almost another hour (50 minutes) until I reached Rachel Lake (another 1.2 miles). I passed a lot of backpackers on the way up, I think I saw more backpackers than day hikers.
Rachel Lake is beautiful, very blue, and cold. I saw a lot of people there. If you have run out of water, this is where you should fill up (filtered, with all the campers there).
To Lila Lake, it's another steep climb for about half a mile with switchbacks, and with great views over Rachel Lake, until the trail forks - Lila Lake to the right, Rampart Lakes to the left. The trail levels of a bit but still climbs, with more views of Rachel Lake, then through heather with plenty of delicious sweet and juicy blueberries. Then about where you spot the Lila Lake for the first time the trail descends on the final stretch, steeply at the end, to the lake. I could see a few tents set up in the distance.
The water was pretty cold, but I swam a few strokes to the island to explore it.
The way back was much easier. I took a break at Rachel Lake, and briefly thought about taking another dip, but decided it was too cold.
You can see the route and more photos if you follow the Strava link.
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