Alta Mountain, Rachel Lake — Saturday, Sep. 27, 2025

The parking lots were mostly filled in the front section at 9am. We went for a spot near the exit of the road loop. There were more on the outer loop road.

This was quite a busy hike on the way to Rachel lake. Many hiker groups were camping the night. We crossed several groups on our way to Alta. Yet, we had the summit to ourselves for some time.

In the morning, there was a temperature inversion clearly visible from the ascent to Rachel lake. The smoke was staying in the upper layer so we only started to smell it within that ascent. But it seemed to disappear as we got to the ridge and started our ascent to Alta.

Despite the smoke, we had great views at the top.

On the way back, we had a short swim at Rachel before a long way back down and then along the valley. The roots/rocks didn't bother me on the way up but they certainly did on the way down.

There were many blueberries on the ridge to Alta but only the highest ones were still good. The rest was past ripe. Still, it was nice to be able to get good ones this late in the year!

Great hike despite the smoke in the distance!