Great trail for my first solo backpacking trip. My legs were definitely feeling the weight heading up, but the moderate grade and good tread made this a good choice. I had been targeting Rampart Lakes, but the smoke situation made heading the opposite way the right choice… and thinking about the last mile to Rachel Lake with a full-loaded pack made me feel all the better about being on this trail instead.
Arrived Sunday at about 2 and pulled right into a spot. There were several spaces but cars parked on the road showed that it had been crowded prior.
Despite the smoky haze, not sure it ever got above about “moderate” AQI, so that was a bonus. Wasn’t feeling the smoke as much as the climb, for sure.
There were plenty of campsites to choose from on a Sunday night. Do note that few of the ones you walk by have easy access to the lake. The walk down to the lake is also on loose light gravel, so footing is iffy and not fun if you’ve switched to sandals. That being said the views from most of the campsites are fantastic and many are pretty private. There are nice spots on the lake at the very head of the lake, one next to Lena Creek and one way over on the other side of the lake. I chose to filter water at Lena Creek as it was an easier walk than down to the lake (and yeah running water etc.)
Had no trouble with bugs at the lake once I put picaridin on. That said, the segment up from the second bridge to where you first get peek-a-boo views of the lake, I was harassed by some of the largest flies I have ever seen.
Trail is in fine shape and easy to see why it’s popular. By nightfall, could see some bats and hear some owls. Very cool.
Broke camp a little after 9 a.m. and there were a few more than a dozen people heading up, some with daypacks, some with overnight gear. Parking was still available when I got to the car around 11, though it was more crowded than when I parked the day before.
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