Arrived at the TH at 5:30 am. Only a few other cars that I saw(it was dark). The bathroom is open and stocked with tp.
The road going in is great, the last section is gravel but there are no potholes and just some washboarding, any car can make it just fine.
Did the first 3 miles in the dark and they are pretty easy. The climb up to Rachel lake is the worth part of this whole venture. It's rocky, rooty, and hard to follow at times(have nav). Sometimes the trail looks like a old creek-bed and it easy to miss.
Rachel lake itself is beautiful and there are fall colors to be seen there as well. Had the lake to myself. Took a snack break down at the beach and enjoyed the solitude.
The climb from Rachel to Rampart is not bad, it's just some somewhat steep tight switchbacks, and terrain-wise are way better than the climb to Rachel itself.
At the top I made my way for the trail up to Alta. This is the section where the fall colors are just spectacular. Everything in the alpine in popping right now and it's stunning.
The ridge climb to Alta is pretty easy, very clear bootpath, and no scrambling. You are near some edges at times though if heights freak you out.
The only thing I'll say is that there are 2 false summits on the ridge, you think you're there, and then you get up on top and see the “real” summit just a little ways further. I wish I'd known that going in.
All that being said the summit itself is awesome. Had it all to myself the entire time. Views of the surrounding peaks. Sadly the haze prevented me from the clearest view, but it was still great, especially seeing the fall colors in the valley below.
Spent a good 30 mins on the summit, and no one else came. I was almost off the Alta peak branch of the trail by the time I passed another hiker going for the peak.
I took the junction to check out Lila lake on my way back, the meadows below had amazing fall color and I couldn't pass that up. Encountered two backpackers heading towards the lake.
Heading back to Rachel and the parking lot is when I met more people, a mix of backpackers and day hikers. Some were heading to Rampart while others just stuck with Rachel. Not too crowded though, probably 20 other people in total.
The lot was almost full when I got back, so it's a popular trailhead even on a weekend.
Overall a really fun and I'd say easy peak in the Snoqualmie pass area, with some awesome fall colors.
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