Roots, Rocks, Rivers, Rain. These four words aptly describe our hike up to Rachel Lake. As others have said, the first three quarters of the trail to Rachel Lake is relatively easy, but the last quarter is very difficult. This is not only because of many big step ups over roots and rocks, but many parts of the trail are actually in stream beds and waterfalls which have flowing water in them at this time of the year, especially closer to the top. Between the large steps and innumerable stream crossings, I don’t know if we would have made it or at least made it without falling without two trekking poles. These are helpful for balance on the big steps going up and down, but critical when crossing streams.
We spent the night at Rachel Lake and there are several decent camping spots, although some still have snow or puddles from freshly melted snow, whereas others are dry. A backcountry “throne in the woods” is helpfully provided.
As the weather has been erratically alternating between sunny and 70s to 50s and rain the last couple of weeks, we ended up hiking mostly in rain. The next day we woke up with temperatures in the 30s to 40s and a fog bank, but it eventually began to clear and we had decent views of the peaks around the lake.
We then did a day hike up to Rampart Ridge (additional 600 vertical and a half mile) and then a flat mile to Rampart Lakes. That part was often covered in snow - I’m not sure we would have found our way without GPS navigation to help us make sure we were staying relatively close to the actual trail which was still covered in snow in many places. It was definitely worth getting to the lakes - absolutely beautiful, even if a bitterly cold wind was whipping around us. Some of the lakes were thawed and the bigger ones still had partial ice coverage. I would love to come back to Rampart Lakes in warmer weather and spend a night or two enjoying the surreal beauty.
All in all, Rachel Lake and Rampart Ridge and Lakes were a beautiful destination, but it’s a lot of work to get up there and just as much to get back down. Enjoy!
Comments