Two Trips One Lake: Rachel Lake and Rampart Ridge

This is the story of two adventures about one month apart to the same lake. It started in June when Sarah, Aaron, and I decided to go for a scramble. Alta was the peak of choice. It lies in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Rachel Lake and Rampart Ridge. Unfortunately, our not-so-warm summer meant lots of snow remained. We made it to Rachel Lake, despite some snow and a creek crossing that required us to abandon our shoes and ford the river. Rachel was mostly frozen yet still scenic. We attempted to head up the ridge on a snow field, but about half way up, our better judgement kicked in and we headed back down. With an ice ax this would have been a doable ridge, but without slipping would not end well. So we headed for a small high point near the lake for some good views and called it a day.

Really cold feet after crossing the creek

A frozen Rachel Lake

Not Alta, but good enough for today

Hibox came out for a moment

Now flash forward to the end of July (about one month later). I decided to head back to Rachel to see a bit of what I missed out on. Derrick and I were taking 2 of our friends, Robyn and Brian on their first backpacking trip and thought Rachel fit the bill. We headed out early on a Saturday morning and made it up to the lake around lunch time. The snow had melted and the lake was transformed to a sparkling blue gem, still too cold to enjoy much swimming. We spent the afternoon lounging by the lake and making good use of our inflatable rafts. It was a warm but windy day that turned into an even windier night.

The waterfall below Rachel Lake

Rachel with no snow

Best addition to our gear!

After getting less sleep than I liked (thanks tot he wind), we woke up and decided to make our way up to Rampart Lakes. The trail to the lakes was snow free until the top of the ridge, but even that was easily navigated. The lakes were beautiful and surprisingly quiet, we really only saw one group. The largest lake was still partially frozen but the smaller ones had melted out except for a snow bank at the far end of one of the lakes. The guys eyed the snow for a while talking about how much fun it would be to use the snow as a slide into the lake. After much heckling, they both decided to give it a try. It was less of a slide and more of a run and scream with a little jump into the shallow end of the lake. Regardless, Robyn and I were quite amused.

One of the Rampart Lakes

Brain goes for a swim

Derrick takes a turn

Once they warmed up, Derrick spotted a rocky cliff that provided a perfect spot to jump into the lake. Again, after much debating both Liz and Derrick decided to give it a go. It was an extremely cold but very refreshing experience. From there we explored the rest of the lakes area taking in the beautiful scenery. After a brief Canada v. Montana snowball war (Canada won), we headed back to pack up our campsite at Rachel Lake and head back to the trailhead. It was a fun weekend ending with a relaxing dinner at the Snoqualmie Brewery. Good times were had by all.

Derrick cliff jumping

There goes Liz

Robyn and Brian

Montana v. Canada show down

The larges of the Rampart Lakes

Very little snow left on Hibox

Mt. Thompson

Looking down at Rachel