Hiked past Rachel Lake to Lila Lake. Trail conditions to Lila Lake are pretty much the same as to Rachel Lake. Trail can be difficult to find as the cairn's are subtle. Also, the sign at the fork between Rampart and Lila Lake can cause confusion because the trail towards Lila is before the sign, but there is a path closer to the sign that can me mistaken for the trail to Lila (we made this mistake). Lots of huckleberries, and salmonberries, on the trail.

Went up to Lila lake for a single night with a side trip up to Alta Mountain in the morning. We left the parking lot around 4pm which meant we were in the shadow of the mountains after we got to Rachel lake which was nice. Stopped at Rachel lake for some water on the way up. Bugs were present but no an issue, great place to cool off and take a quick swim before finishing the hike. There 4-5 camp sites around Lila lake and we got the last one. Bugs were getting bad but then wind picked up and cleared them out. The site we had was very dusty so careful if you get that one between Lila and smaller pond. It was really only an issue once the wind picked up. In the morning we hiked Alta Mountain which has an incredible view of the Cascades. Rainier is crazy beautiful, Adams is visible and part of Baker as well. We stashed our packs just past the cairn before climbing Alta.

All trails: - snow free (very unusual for this time of the year); - in pretty good conditions; - if you stop next to lake - bugs will found you in minute or two; - a lot of wild flowers - water relatively warm even at 4500 ft high lakes; You will get amazing views from Mnt Margarite or Alta Mnt.

I think I'd forgotten what "The cruel mile" was all about or maybe at 71 I'm a bit less spry than 20 years ago when I did this twice in 24 hours to help my soon to be wife carry her pack(she refused) The last part of the Trail to Rachel is the worst part. Erosion has made it worse over the years but after Rachel the switchbacks up to the Ramparts-Lila intersection seems easier and only takes 20 minutes or so. The rest of the way to Lila is pretty easy. There is no snow anywhere and no running water into the lake basin. If at Lila , there is a little , not so obvious trail that climbs to the west and meets the Alta Mt. trail. It saves backtracking to the begining of Alta trail. It takes about an hour to walk the ridge to the top.You stop often just to take in the amazing views and the never ending wildflower show. You can see miles of the PCT from Kendall Katwalk as it works it's way North towards Stevens Pass. It looks like a scratch across several Mountains, very destinct. Many private campsites hidden in the Knolls above and around the lake. Tough,buggy,sweaty and very worthwhile and beautiful place to visit.

We hiked to Lila Lake via a quick stop at Rachel Lake. The hike itself is really beautiful, manageable, and interesting. The first couple of miles are quite flat, and then you climb for a short section before getting to Rachel Lake. We stopped at Rachel Lake for a quick second, but the mosquitos pushed us forward. This should have been a warning of what was to come. The hike up to Lila Lake is really beautiful. When in doubt stay right to get to Lila. There is a cairn at one intersection, left takes you to Alta. right takes you to Lila. Lila is a beautiful little lake, but the mosquitos were awful. We took a very quick dip in the lake before running (literally) from the bugs. It was quite a scene. Take your bug spray or whatever repellant you have. That being said, one of my favorite hikes so far this season!