Rachel Lake, Lila Lake — Saturday, Jul. 23, 2022

Headed up to Lila Lake for a quick solo overnight shakedown trip to test a new pack amongst other things.  I'd never hiked this trail previously but I've found that it has it all: lots of rocks, roots, water crossings, and some thick vegetation!  The trail is well-worn and in good condition where it exists.  Otherwise, you will be hiking dry drainage beds, muddy mud pits, streams, and eroded tree root systems.  Brought sandals for water crossing as I had heard it was dicey; it was not and sandals were unnecessary.  At any rate: I arrived at noon and the only parking available was along the main road.  Upon reaching Rachel, it was clear that there was no time to linger - the mosquitoes were INSANE.  There were some snowbridges and evidence of postholing, but not too far down if one did break through.  The snow over the trail in various areas between Rachel and Lila was not an issue at all.  I reached Lila by 3pm and there were only a few sensible campsites left.  Mine was a bit more damp that I would have liked, but lakeside and gorgeous, of course.  Looks like a large majority of snowmelt occurred over the last week and I would think that after this next heatwave, things should be pretty dry around the sites.  The lake and surrounding area are worth exploring - it really is beautiful.  Mercifully, a wind had kicked up and the mosquitoes were minimal for the remainder of the night.  The next morning, however - everyone woke up and absolutely raced to break camp and hightail it out of there.  No filtering water, no hot breakfast, and certainly no coffee.  It was an absolute mosquito massacre.  Even with 3 layers of protection (permethrin coated clothing, DEET, and picaridin), I still received a beating.  It did make for some funny conversations and bonding between those of us who were camping up there!  All-in-all, it is a great hike and a beautiful place.  Loads of wildflowers still blooming and saw a pika and heard several marmots whistling away.  Stats: 6h moving time / 12.8mi RT / 2,998ft