Day Hike - Rachel & Rampart Lakes

Moderate/Challenging 8.9 mile hike, at a moderate pace (1.75-2 mph) with plenty of rest breaks as needed.  Stops to look at the views and flowers and pick berries along the way.  We'll take a short break at Rachel Lake, then press on to Rampart Lakes where we will have lunch and a swim if you like.

Here is the trip description from WTA:Rampart Ridge - Rampart Lakes — Washington Trails Association (wta.org)

Bring lunch and plenty of water and sturdy hiking shoes. Trekking poles will be helpful.  

My goals and expectations for this trip are:

1. Safety, including staying together as a group

2. Enjoy nature and have fun

3. Respectful conversation

4. Follow Leave No Trace principles

5. Assessment of your ability to hike this distance/elevation gain/pace

My style:  I consider hiking as nature therapy and love to revel in the beauty of nature with frequent stops to look at flowers, trees and views.  Picking berries and swimming in Alpine Lakes are at the top of my list.   

We will meet  at 7:30 am at the North Bend Safeway parking lot close to the tall Safeway/O'Reilly Auto Parts/Chase Bank sign in the parking lot. It's off I-90 exit 31.  We will consolidate cars here as there are limited parking spots at the trailhead.

From I-90 East, take exit 62. Take a left, heading over the highway. At 5.2 miles, the road veers left, passing Lake Kachess Campground. Go another 0.3 miles, now on gravel, and take a right at a sign for Rachel Lake/Trail 1313. At this point, the road gets a little rough. Continue following signs to Rachel Lake/Trail 1313, turning left at a gated intersection. 3.8 miles from the campground, take a left into a pair of one-way parking lots. Check the lower lot first–there are likely to be spaces available when the upper lot is full. There is space for 30 cars in the upper lot, and at least another 20 cars in the lower lot.