Rachel Lake — Friday, Jun. 24, 2005

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

Rachel Lake 6/25/2005 Note: The Rachel Lake trail sustained serious flood damage in sections of it's final mile during 2003 & 2004. The rough, rooty, steep and rocky tread now has several washouts to negotiate and a trailbed eroded down to large river rock in places. Also mud. Now that you know that I will report on our fun hike, on this beautiful scenic trail, on a perfect sunny early summer day. All but two of my Mountaineers Club group had spent the night at the Mountaineers Meany Lodge, nearby at Stampede pass. After signing in at the trailhead and tying an Alpine Lakes Wilderness permit onto my pack we were off, at 9:40. On the way to Rachel lake 13 creeks are crossed, a couple on log bridges. With the snow melt already over we had low water and easy crossings at all of them. The first mile climbs at a moderate grade and then the trail is mostly level for the next two miles. The first mile is through open forest with many flowers and also has good views down to Hibox creek, the outlet stream of Rachel lake. A little past the first mile we stopped for a snack at a waterfall on the creek where big smoothed rock formations make a good picnic site. For the next two miles the trail alternates between fine old growth forest (mix of Doug. fir, Cedar, Silver fir) and chest high meadows with tall wildflowers and bushes in full bloom. We also got some views of Hibox ridge and peak. At the end of mile three we made the most challenging creek crossing of the day, but again it was easy due to the low water levels. From this point to the lake was a steady steep and then steeper climb up the bad part of the trail. It was slower going but not too bad since I could tell my companions exactly where we were and how much further we had to go. Map and an altimeter are the key to doing this. There are two beautiful waterfalls in this last mile. The cool spray was refreshing on our hot bodies. We arrived at the lake and it was glorious. Deep blue, sparkling in the sunlight, with a good breeze to kick up little waves, it looked dazzling. After eating we split into 3 parts, the high explorers, the lakeside explorers, and the rest and relaxation team. The high group of two climbed up to Rampart Ridge and a little way towards Lila lake. The lakeside group made it about 2/3 of the way down the lake shore stopping at several little beaches and coves. After my longest ever lunch break as a hike leader we reunited for a group photo and departure. On the way down my group strung out with people going at different speeds, but our lead group stopped periodically to wait for the others to catch up. Statistics 8.5 miles , 2000 ft. gross elevation gain high point 4600 ft. 3 hours up, 2:40 down (slow for some) 90% in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Temperature 72 degrees Visibility 50 miles 82 miles from my north Seattle home Robert Michelson