Rachel, Rampart & Lila Lakes

A moderate to strenuous hike of 9-12 miles round trip with up to 2,500 feet of elevation gain along a dramatic ridge with waterfalls, lakes, and tarns. Enjoy views of Hibox Mountain, Alta Mountain and other peaks in the Snoqualmie Pass area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. While the mileage and elevation gain suggests a moderate hike, there's a one-mile rough boot path that is truly grueling.

getting 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 (2,800 ft).

on the trail

Rachel Lake (4,700 ft)

8.0 miles round trip, 1,900 feet of elevation gain

Hike the trail 4.4 miles through Box Creek Canyon to to Rachel Lake (4,700 ft). While the total distance and elevation gain suggests a moderate hike, the infamous Rachel Lake "mile from hell" is truly grueling and inappropriate for those who are not in athletic condition. 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 are a must.

Rampart Lakes (5,100 ft)

10.6 miles round trip, 2,300 feet of elevation gain

From Rachel Lake continue 0.6 mile on the trail north of the lake to ridge crest (5,100 ft). Turn left and follow the trail 0.7 mile to Rampart Lakes.

Lila Lakes (5,200 ft)

11.4 miles round trip, 2,500 feet of elevation gain

From Rachel Lake continue 0.6 mi on trail north of the lake to ridge crest (5,100 ft). Turn right heading and follow the trail 1.1 miles to Lila Lakes (5,200).  From the ridge,  you'll climb 300 feet and descend 200 feet.  Expect more rocky and steep portions on the way to Lila Lake.

  • Suitable Activities: Day Hiking
  • Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Moderate, Strenuous
  • Length: 8.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 100 ft
  • 4,700 ft
Map
  • Green Trails Snoqualmie Pass No. 207
  • Green Trails Snoqualmie Pass Gateway No. 207S
Activities

Upcoming Activities

CHS 2 Hike - Rampart Lakes

Day Hiking Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series
CHS hike led at a CHS 2 pace (2.0-3.0 mph)
Difficulty: Moderate
Wed, Jun 26, 2024
No Prerequisites
6 participants 1 instructor
Registration opens May 22; Instructor registration open now
Seattle Branch

CHS 2 Hike - Lila Lake

Day Hiking Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series
CHS hike led at a CHS 2 pace (2.0-3.0 mph)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Mon, Jul 1, 2024
No Prerequisites
6 participants 1 instructor
Registration opens Jun 19; Instructor registration open now
Seattle Branch

CHS 2 Hike - Rachel, Rampart & Lila Lakes

Day Hiking Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series
CHS hike led at a CHS 2 pace (2.0-3.0 mph)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Sat, Aug 10, 2024
No Prerequisites
8 participants 0 instructors
Registration opens Jul 17; Instructor registration open now
Seattle Branch
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Rachel Lake
  • Rampart Lakes
  • Lila Lake
  • Rachel & Rampart Lakes
  • Rachel & Lila Lakes
Resources

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