Rachel Lake — Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022

My daughter (14) and I did this hike yesterday. We arrived at 8:45 and there was plenty of parking and TP in the bathroom.

I was scared for the bitey bugs (they love me and I swell up), and my other kid had our good repellent, so my daughter and I only had “family friendly” Off (which I wasn’t sure worked at all). We actually left with NO actual bites. So they were annoying but not particularly hungry?

The trail description mentioned “false trails” and we DEFINITELY got off trail a lot, do not depend on “crossed sticks” (we saw none). Luckily the false trails we followed ultimately led back to the real trail.

What a beautiful hike with many excuses to pause for a breath while looking at various awesome views.

Thank you to the backpacker who helped get the message to my husband that we would be back in reception after our “call search and rescue” time!