Rachel Lake, Rampart Ridge - Rampart Lakes & Lila Lake — Monday, Sep. 22, 2014

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

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.