I told everyone in my group as they were huffing and puffing up the last quarter mile of rugged terrain to Rachel Lake - you got to read the fine print of the WTA descriptions and at least two trip reports! Then, you won't be surprised by almost 2000 feet in elevation gain at the last quarter mile. The first 2 and a half miles of this trail is lovely walk verdant, shaded path accompanied by a babbling creek and a few sweet waterfalls. There's an initial ascent just to get you warmed up and then it levels out beautifully as a peaceful, sun dappled, tree-lined dusty trail. Oh, and berries! Berries are ripe galore! You do want to make noise as bears do really like berries. This Sunday was well populated with very happy hikers and many had their very sweet dogs (on-leash, thank you!) so, I felt pretty safe. But, oh, boy oh boy, that last quarter mile. Nothing but boulders and tree roots all the way up, up, up! Nature's stairway to heaven for sure. Because Rachel Lake is stunningingly beautiful and swimmable. (Is that a word?) As half our group headed up to Alta Mountain, the rest of us waded in the cool mountain waters It was nice to take off the boots for a minute, lounging after lunch in the warm sun.
I did get stung by a bee on the way out. Fortunately my friend had "StingEze" for insect bites. It was amazingly effective. There is no swelling a day later. I will definitely be adding this to my first aid kit.
My All trails says I did 1969 ft. elevation and 8.3 miles. All in all a fabuluous long day hike.
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