I had half a day for a trail run, and Alta was the decision! Felt good and didn't run as much on the way up as I had hoped so I tacked on Lila Lake (which I had never been to before) and Rampart Lakes as well. Road is phenomenal, still no potholes or challenges of any sort. Trail could use a little work, but it's all runnable. The first 2.5 miles are flat, so you get a warm up before the elevation gain starts. The last mile to Rachel Lake is much steeper. I'm not great at footwork, so this one is good practice. There are rocky sections and areas covered in steep roots for you to dance around, and views of Hibox occasionally poke through the trees. Plenty of small creeks and waterfalls to top off/refill your water on the way up to Rachel Lake. Rachel Lake is totally melted out, unlike last time I was here. The trail to the ridge is obvious the whole way (follow the sign that says "trail" near "toilet" at Rachel Lake) and not as steep as I remember. Getting up to the ridge I headed right up to Alta, which is a gorgeous path along a rolling ridge. Wildflowers are blooming! The scramble sections aren't as exposed as they sound, and the views to the north are well worth it. There's a huge cairn at the top, a 6' tall pile of rocks. Peaks I recognized were Thompson, Huckleberry, Chikamin, Bear's Breast, Daniel Hibox, Three Queens, a few glimpses of Stuart when Hibox wasn't blocking it. Summit Chief and Lemah were in there somewhere, and Rainier poked above the clouds once! Heading back from Alta, I decided to check out Lila Lake on the recommendation of a pleasant hiker I ran into on the way up. Spectacular! Just like Rampart Lakes, but with fewer people. Lots of social trails and plenty of secluded camping spots. I checked out a few of the tarns and wish I had gone farther north to the more remote ones, but the trails fizzled out and I thought I was at the end until I checked a map later (though those might be the "Alta Mountain Tarns" and not technically near Lila Lake). So I headed over to Rampart Lakes to see how they were. I had only been to Rampart Lakes when they were covered in snow, and it was great seeing them all melted out. Again, lots of places to camp and plenty of social trails taking you from tarn to tarn. Gorgeous area, I can't wait to spend a weekend camping there someday. It was like jogging through a Disney movie. Ridiculous scenery everywhere, and so many things to see along that ridge. If you want an extra challenge and feel up for some bushwacking, add in Hibox Peak on your way back.

Backpacked from Rachel Lake trailhead (1313) up to Rampart Lakes and then Lake Lillian and Lake Lila. 2 nights, 19 miles roundtrip. Friday after work we arrived at the trailhead with no problems. The road is in VERY good condition. Paved all the way until the Lake Kachess Campground and then super even gravel from there. The parking area is easy to notice on the left hand side. The trailhead is on the right side. Lots of signs. Bathroom open, bring TP. Trail is in fine condition. Crossing many streams leading up to Rachel Lake. Plenty of shade and low angle trail the first 2 miles. The steep last 1 or 2 miles is tougher, and somewhat exposed to sun. Rachel lake was amazing with 5 groups camping overnight. Not many spots left, but another few groups could have squeezed in if needed. Constant wind coming off the lake kept bugs away. The hike from Rachel lake towards Rampart Ridge was a beast. Sun exposed again and rocky/steep. Not long and we were at the junction between Rampart Lakes and Alta/Lila. The hike from here to Rampart Lakes was fun/easy/flat. Lots of side trails all around the Rampart Lakes. We explored them all to find a campsite. There were 10 or more groups already setup with only a few 'good' sites left when we arrived at 10am. We took the North most lake. It was not very big or deep, but suitable for a overnight stay. Crazy how busy this lake was. My GF and dog walked from Rampart Lakes to Lake Lillian, through the 'back door'. Nearly a direct line from the south end of Rampart Lakes to Lake Lillian. There were people shooting guns at Lake Lillian - so she didn't stick around to relax. Sunday we hiked from Rampart Lakes to Lila Lake. Wanted to ascend Alta Mountain, but saved our energy for next time. It was quite hot and sun exposed at and around Lila. Sunburns on our necks as a result. No snow, except 1 field between Rampart Lakes and Lake Lillian. Trail runners and short gaiters were perfect for this hike. Lots of blooming flowers I can't identify. Berries are starting to sprout too. Overall a top quality hike with lots of day hikers and backpackers alike. Bring a map/gps to keep track of your location with so many side trails. Don't skimp on the water either, it's hot up at 5000ft. Or just a water purification method - since you are near water often.

The gravel road in is pretty good, only a few minor pot holes. We seemed to have trouble following the trail a few times, there are so many foot trails that have been made, I'm guessing because it's a popular hike. Somehow a section of the trail we took up to Rachel lake was not the same we took down. All the trails seem to connect back up and we got to Rachel lake. Headed up to Lila lake. Keep and eye out for the cairns, we missed them a couple of times and had to turn around. There is some snow up around Lila lake, but easy to cross. We didn't go all the way down to the lake, sat on the overlook and had lunch. Didn't see much snow the trail down to the lake. Bugs were not to bad yet. Only got one mosquito bite.

Lots of Pot Holes on Forest Road. Trail up to Rachel Lake is easy at the bottom and turns into a creek on and off on the upper portion. Approach to Lila Lake was fun, much better views of Rachel Lake from up top. So no other hikers past Rachel Lake. Lila lake was awesome with the colors. Skies cleared at 4 pm and was mild all night. Woke up to nice sunrise at the top.

The Cascadians have voted Rachel Lake as one of their Big Five Hikes of the 2014 season. We beat the approaching rainy weather and ventured into the fall folliage to explore beyond Rachel Lake, into the Ramparts and Lila Lakes. The Ramparts are a "must do" when hiking to Rachel Lake; they are far more spectacular than even lovely Rachel. Midweek proved to be a wonderful time to visit! A clap of thunder and a short squall threatened our day two miles in, but the skies quickly lightened and brightened. Blues skies, interesting clouds and sunlight made for stunning vistas and great pictures! The fall colors are turning nicely; vine maples are bright orange and red and the low blueberry bushes are a deep maroon (and the berries are ripe!). We wandered the Ramparts and explored new hidden areas both in the rocks and high above the lakes. The waters were calm, creating nice reflections of Alta and Hibox Peaks in the alpine lakes. A few flowers were still blooming as of yesterday, but fading fast. Having not visited Lila Lakes before, we hiked the short distance to that basin below Alta Peak. On our way there, we listened to the squeeks of countless pikas and watched them scurry here and there amongst the rocks. They were a fun source of entertainment. And at the lakes... perfect solitude and pretty pictures! At 6.5 miles to Lila Lakes, we knew our daylight would eventually vanish, so we made our way down the rocky trail to Rachel. Of course, from there down it's a 'rocks & roots fest' for a good mile. Then, an easy walk out to the trailhead. What a lovely day! Enjoy these pictures.