Rachel Lake — Friday, Jun. 16, 2006

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

Nice hike to Rachel Lake. Lots of snow almost immediately after starting up the trail. The trail is hard to follow because of this. There are a couple of large trees down over the trail but it's not bad. Only a few areas are melted out, such as the open meadow and rocky areas. There are two challenging stream crossings which I decided to do carefully since I had hiking poles and full leather boots and gaiters. Two young guys coming down preferred using the ""ride-em cowboy"" method on a large log at the wider crossing (just downstream from the main crossing). I didn't see anyone else above that point. The trail became a stream in places. The slabby creek crossing up high beneath the slopy wide waterfall was easy due to a large dry log that was strategically placed. Above that it was challenging to know exactly where to go to get to the lake since it was all snowy but stay to the left of the creek and look for the lake basin. The lake was about half frozen over and was a sight for sore eyes - I think it was the first alpine lake I have hiked to this year. Hibox and Alta looked inviting but I didn't have time. Some flowers were out (for example, the yellow glacier lilies in the meadows).