Rachel, Rampart & Lila Lakes

Trip

Backpack - Rachel Lake

Camp at one of the beautiful Cascade alpine lakes, with an optional day hike to nearby Rampart Lakes, which have been compared to the Enchantment Lakes in their beauty.

  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 8.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,600 ft
  • Pace: 2.0 mph

Meet at 8 AM at the Traveler's Rest Stop at Snoqualmie Pass, reached by driving east on I-90 and taking Exit 53, turning right at the end of the off ramp, then right again at the T junction.  The Traveler's Rest Stop is a brown A frame building on your right.  It has both public restrooms and a store.

From the Traveler's Rest Stop we will caravan to the trailhead, so we don't lose anyone at the many turns on the driving route.

The hike to Rachel Lake, where we camp, is 4 miles with 1,600 feet elevation gain.  Because this is a popular backpack destination, we need to arrive as early as we can to find a suitable campsite.  After we have set up camp and eaten our trail lunch, there will be an optional day hike to Rampart Lakes, involving an additional 700 feet gain in 1.5 miles.  We'll backpack out after breakfast on Sunday, by the same route we hiked in.

A Northwest Forest Pass must be displayed by each car parked at the trailhead parking lot.

 

Route/Place

Rachel, Rampart & Lila Lakes


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials plus overnight gear which may include:

  • Tent with footprint/ground tarp
  • Stove and fuel
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Water filter
  • Bear canister or extra stuff sack and cord designated for hanging food
  • Cooking pot/pan with plate and utensils
  • Toilet paper and shovel or blue bag to deal with waste
Trip Reports