Rachel Lake, Rampart Ridge - Rampart Lakes — Friday, Jun. 30, 2006

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

Headed up the afternoon of Sat July 1st to see what the snow levels were above 5,000 feet for a PCT hike next week. Day was sunny and gorgeous, was going to listen to my Ipod but instead let the Box Canyon River play it's magical tune the whole 4 miles up to Rachel Lake. Trail was 95% snow free, with easy crossing creeks, and only a few muddy trail puddles to skirt around. Rachel was snow free and 90% bare ground around the lake for camping. Not too many people on trail from 2 - 6 PM. I counted maybe about 20 cars at the trail head, where the NW Pass and camping signs were covered up by the Rangers for some reason. After Rachel, I hiked up to the Rampart lakes. Initial trail had snow on it but that soon was gone as South facing trail was clear until right at the top of Ridge. There, at 5,300 feet elevation, it was 95% snow covered. Easily walkable as I went left for teh short walk to Rampart Lakes. These lakes were about 80% frozen with the same snow % on the ground. Soft and pliable snow but not so soft to post-hole through it. Views across the valley North to the PCT showed from Alaska Lake to Kendall Katwalk to be free of snow except for a few patches of snow running across trail. These were south-SE facing slopes so it made sense. Loved this energetic climbing hike due to more great waterfalls than I could count, with one an easy match for Spray Falls near Mowich Lake on Rainier. Walked in shorts and did not see or feel one bug the whole way. Sorry the pictures are lousy. Only had my cheap camera phone to capture the beauty. Snow is melting fast, enjoy.