Rachel Lake — Sunday, Jul. 29, 2007

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

3 adults, were outnumbered by 6 kids. The trail starts out very nice, gently graded, old growth, sparkling stream. There are a few blowdowns to clamber around. After a couple of miles the trail suddenly turns fierce, rooty and steep. The whole way up the boys asked every downgoing hiker ""how far to the Lake"" and were given amusingly varying answers. Finally, half a mile before Rachel lake, the trail moderated as we reached the ""no fires"" sign. The kids were delighted with big and lovely Rachel Lake. Two older girls promptly jumped into the freezing water, while the two middle boys snarled the fishing line in the wind. Soon it was time to go on to Lila Lakes, which we had to ourselves. This time all the kids swam, exiting with chattering teeth. No signs of any fish. The lakes are small but very pretty, in an open subalpine setting. The next morning was cold and misty. The kids all went exploring, proudly hailing us from the top of a rise, before returning to help pack up. Bugs--when it wasnt too windy or cold, the flies and mosquitos were out in force. Both were rather lethargic and stupid, slow to bite and easy to slap.