Rachel Lake — Monday, Aug. 8, 2022

MON, AUG 8 — TUES, AUG 9

I will never, ever again discount mentions of bugs in other hikers’ trip reports.

I camped at Rachel Lake on Monday night and got outright mauled.

Not just mosquitoes but those big, huge black flies that look like Jolly Ranchers with wings. Are those called biting flies?

Eesh, the back of my neck feels like a relief map of the Cascades - I’m afraid to look.

Wish I’d brought loose pants and a fuller-coverage hat — the meshy net back of my trucker hat is really just an invitation to feast. And something to cover my neck.

Despite all that…

…such a pretty lake. Swimming was definitely a highlight.

Enjoy!