Rachel Lake — Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022

Left the trailhead at 9:15 and arrived at the lake at approx 11:30. The parking lot was full so I parked on the side of the road in the lot . Other cars were parked up and down the main road . The trail is relatively flat for the first 2 to 3 miles then gets steep the last mile or so to the lake . It starts out nice and shady heading through the forest following the creek off and on with views of the peaks above at times . The creek has a lot of big boulders as well as the trail giving me that eastern Washington fealing . I get a different vibe on the other side of the pass. It’s a good vibe “like I’m free at last” beautiful trail and hike . It reminds me of being in a relationship. Starting out fun and easy with lots to enjoy and then like all relationships comes sacrifices with rewards ! This trail then turns real steep in about the last mile and you need to work pretty hard to get to the lake . The reward is well worth it but it doesn’t come easey.the lake is very cold , I lasted about 30 seconds and headed back for the shore real quick. Had lunch and headed back down . I stopped at one of the waterfalls down on the flat part of the trail and dunked my head in the creek and took another 5 minute break to relax. Arrived back at the truck approx 2:30 . This is one trail worth every bit of the work I put in to it . I would definitely want to do an overnight hike here and explore more