Day Hike - Rachel Lake

Meet at 8:30am ready-to-go at the Rachel Lake Trailhead. To get there: Take Exit 62 (Kachess Lake) off of I-90 and follow signs 5 miles to Kachess Lake Campground. Turn left onto Box Canyon Road (Forest Road 4930) and drive 4.2 miles to Rachel Lake Trailhead.  NW Forest Pass required in your car.

This is a beautiful region and the weather forecast looks good! This will be a stay-together-as-a-group hike and pace to the slowest hiker to keep things light and fun; however, this is NOT a beginner's hike. While the total distance and elevation gain suggests a moderate hike, the infamous Rachel Lake last mile is challenging.  In one mile, a heavily rooted and rough boot path ascends 1,300 feet. This portion is more like a scramble than a hike, and boots or sturdy shoes with good traction are a must.  Here is more info from WTA: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/rachel-lake . Although the leader has been on most of the trail and on scrambles above this lake, she has not actually been to this lake, so participants are encouraged to help with any route finding.  Photography encouraged as long as it is quick and efficient. We will have lunch at the lake and stay approximately 30-40 minutes before heading back. Trekking poles highly encouraged.