Rachel Lake, Rampart Ridge - Rampart Lakes — Saturday, Aug. 13, 2005

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

Fall colors are starting to show early this year. Flowers are all but gone. But huckleberries are out in force on the ridgetop. Bugs are still doing their thing too, but aren't bad at the Rampart Lakes. Alpine Lakes registry box is out of sign-in tags. Trail is in good shape for the first half. A crew has gone through since last I did this trail and removed some brush from the narrow sections so it's less a bushwack. Lots of bugs near the creek. The second half climbs steeply along the waterfall up to Rachel Lake. It's hard to call this a trail in some places, more a free for all uphill. Watch yourself, it's easy to miss some switchbacks. Lots of roots and rocks to contend with. When you pass the little waterfall coming down over the giant rock you'll know you're close to the lake. Campsites at Rachel seem well used. Lots of random boot track around. Several people swimming. Lots of fish jumping but the only ones near shore look small. Go around the right side of the lake for the climb up the ridge and great views of Rachel. The trail is steep, exposed, and roasting on a hot day. At the top go left for the Rampart Lakes, right for Lila Lake. Many of the smaller Ramparts are dried, but the bigger ones are full and fairly warm. One cool lake is divided by a big rock wall, half of it about 10 feet higher. Looks like the trail can be followed over the final lip of the ridge and down to Lake Lillian, but dont take my word on that. More trip photos: http://www.pbase.com/billcat/rampart2 NOTE: When parking you can use your NW Forest Pass or pay $5 in a drop box. Apparently my sunshade covered up my NWFP and a ranger left a steep $50 ticket for failing to pay the fee. Make sure your pass is visible.