Rampart Ridge - Rampart Lakes, Rachel Lake — Monday, Sep. 22, 2025

Road- 4 miles of gravel, washboard with some smaller pot holes, but a car could make it fine. Arrived at the parking lot around 8:30 AM, only a few cars in the parking lot. Toilets without TP. Trail in good condition going up, some creek crossing but nothing difficult, feet did not get wet. The first 2 1/2 miles are pretty easy grade, however, the last mile up or so is more of a climb, lots of roots, rocks, high steps. Got to Rachel lake and could barely see it, the smoke was thick. I had high hopes that the rain from Sunday would have settled the smoke, but it did not. Alta, Hibox not visible.
Trail to Ramparts (left of toilet sign) is a short way up to the ridge, left at the T. Smoke pretty much made it nearly impossible to capture any views. I walked the ridge to Ramparts and left shortly after, it was hard to breathe. I didnt bring trek poles, but would be helpful for all the down hill.