Rachel Lake and Rampart Lakes Backpacking Trip

Where: Near Snoqualmie Pass in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Mileage/ Elevation gain: 4 miles up to Rachel Lake/ 1600EG, then 1.5 mile/600 feet up to Rampart Lakes

Total Mileage: Around 11

My husband had this weekend off so we knew we had to plan some kind of backpacking trip. The weather was not looking good all over Washington (surprise, surprise), so I looked in some of the places with the least likely hood of rain. I saw that Rachel Lake had much less chance of rain than some other places so we went with it.

We had a group of 6 backpackers and 2 day hikers with us and 3 dogs, the biggest group yet! Lots of new friends were made that day as we all trekked up the mountain. The first 2.5 miles of this hike are easy peasy. After that, all the incline comes into play and with a mixture of rough terrain, we were all struggling. It felt like the longest 4 miles of our life to get up to Rachel lake (add in 30 pound packs might I add you). We finally get up and start scurrying to find the perfect site, a hard feat with looking for an area to fit 3 tents. The trail at the top does not go around the whole lake. If you go right it brings you up to Rampart Lakes and if you go left it takes you up the lake a bit with more camp spots. We walked about 5 minutes until we found an area with a descent clearing to fit all 3 tents + 2 hammocks. We all set up camp, ate lunch, and lounged around a bit. I had my sites set on getting up to Rampart Lakes as well, heck we were already up here, lets see it all! Most of the group was slow to get going, but 5 of us eventually dragged our tired bodies up the mountain once again. The 1.5 mile was steeeep but we were shortly rewarded with great overlook views of Rachel Lake. We got to the ridge and continued to what we thought was the trail. With lots of bushwhacking, we knew it wasn't right and backtracked to the sign that pointed left to Rampart Lakes and right to Lila Lake. We made the short, easy trek over to Rampart Lakes and was that a sight to see. This area was vastly different from the foliage below with many Alpine Lakes and different terrain. It was one of the prettiest areas I have been to in Washington so far. I would love to explore that whole area more and stay up there. After exploring a bit we made our way back to camp and made chicken and dumplings backpacker meals, made s'mores, drank wine, and enjoyed each others company.

This was also Cooper's (our one year old golden retriever) first time backpacking. We had gotten him his own pack to carry his food and a doggy sleeping bag (it's a real thing!). He had gone on many hikes and thought he was ready to do an overnight. He handled all the day hiking very well and made new doggy friends. When it came time for bed he moved around a lot at night as the wind was howling and there seemed to be lots of noises, but we all made it through the night.

We all slowly woke up the next morning and heard the pitter pattering of rain on the tent. Internally we were all thinking lets just never leave the tent so we don't have to deal with the rain. Well that chance of rain came through, but at least it wasn't the day before. Let me just tell you packing up a wet tent is at the bottom of the barrel for fun things to do on my list. Everything. Was. Wet. We donned our rain coats, rain covers for our packs, and hit the trail and made the 4 miles back. So wet trails + 80 pound eager golden retriever + steep descents do not mix well. Cooper does have a pulling problem on leash and made it miserable going down the mountain. We keep him on leash for safety and to avoid that $125 fine. Maybe he will calm down the pulling with age?...

We got back to the car in 2.5 hours and made a pit stop for the good ole' Scott's Dairy Freeze in North Bend. This is the spot for burgers/fries/milkshakes after a hike FYI.

Another backpacking trip in the book, new friends acquired, and as always, a deeper love for Washington and the beauty it holds.

Mt. Pilchuck Fire Lookout

Backpacking Packwood Lake

The trip that almost didn't happen? I say almost because the original plan was to hit the coast but the forecast called for lots of rain so that was a no go. We scoured and researched and read all the forecasts to see where in the state would be getting the lease amount of rain. Doris found Packwood Lake and the forecast didn't seem too bad so we settled on it. Packing for this trip went slightly better than the first time as I had a little more idea of what I was doing, still a newb in the world of backpacking though. I went through my list and made sure I had everything I needed. New supplies this time would be a sea to summit pillow (the best purchase ever), sawyer mini water filter, rain cover for backpack and my hammock.

We were able to get out of Seattle by 3:30 and with a few stops later made it into Packwood by 6. Grabbed some food and was to the trailhead before 7. Make sure you know your directions before getting into "desolate" places like this (no 3G service), or just rely on the locals like we did. Your call. We got everything together and hit the trail just before 7. We were both very anxious to get to the lake before dark and to not be setting up in the dark. The trail is 4.5 miles into the lake with a gentle incline most of the way. It was pretty delightful until it started raining more seriously and then we had to pull out the rain gear. We finally made it to the lake with plenty of light to spear. The lake was pretty busy with people already at their campsites up the lake. We went about a 1/2 mile up the lake and found the first decent spot to set up camp. Lesson of the day: don't set up your tent on any kind of an incline. This is probably common sense to most, but we had no option really and it didn't seem that bad at the time. Well as soon as we set up our bed I knew it would be an issue. There was no friction between my sleeping bag and the sleeping pad so I just constantly slid and always woke up in the fetal position. We woke up the next morning and decided to pack up and find a better spot for our second night. Oh, and our original plan was to go to Lost Lake the second night, 5 more mile up the trail. Thank goodness we didn't attempt that because we later heard that it was still under a lot of snow. So we went another 15-20 minutes up the lake and I spotted a camp site that we nearly missed because it was so secluded, the best kind. We set up camp yet again and set up the hammock as well. This thing is pure luxury out in the wilderness. Just a cup of tea and a good view to boot, the best. Also, I filtered water for the first time and didn't die, hooray!

Our plan for the second day was to try to hike around the lake since we had nothing else to do. We hiked about an hour up it and found out there is no trail that goes around the lake, only a trail that heads up to higher elevation. We made our way back to the campsite in mid afternoon and lounged around a bit before deciding to start a fire. We gather wood (small pieces), set up paper in it, lit match, after match, after match and nothing. Nothing would catch. Was the wood too wet? Was it too windy? Were we incompetent at starting a fire?.. Desperation came over both of us as we so badly wanted a fire but were not able to get it going. I wanted a cooked marshmallow, dammit! Well truly a gift from God, a younger man walked directly through our campsite (which no one else had and as he was still looking for a place to set up camp). Doris being braver and more exuberant than I (per usual)  asked him for help. He said sure and maybe within 20 minutes, we had a fire going. Pure trail angel right there. We would've been cold and in the dark all night if not for him. So we then spent literally 5 hours foraging for wood to keep this damn fire going. We weren't gonna let it die after all that trouble. We could only get smaller pieces of wood with no ax to chop up bigger pieces, so it was never ending. We roasted marshmallows, sipped boxed wine and enjoyed each others company for the rest of the night. Also, as far as backpacking food goes, you should definitely get Backpacker's Pantry Chicken and Dumplings. It is basically chicken pot pie, a hot meal never tasted so good.  That night was also the best night of sleep I have got backpacking yet. I will give it to a flat ground and a real pillow! The next morning we took our time getting up, eating breakfast, and soaking in the view one last time. We packed up and made our way back and within a couple hours we were back to the car.

Overall really great trip and would love to explore more of Goat Rocks Wilderness, specially high country.

The more I get into backpacking, get into the wilderness, get out of my comfort zone the more I learn. The more I grow as I person. The more I see what I am capable of and the more I fall in love with it's beckoning call.

"Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books."

- Sir John Lubbock

Heather Lake

4.6 RT/ 1034 Elevation Gain This hike is a gentle incline with a beautiful lake at the end. Such a gorgeous hike even on a cloudy day. This was our dog, Cooper's first time swimming. He had a blast and is a natural at it.

Mailbox Peak

9.4 Miles RT/ 4000ft elevation gain I had heard about mailbox before even moving to Seattle. I mean, hiking to a mailbox at a top of a mountain is pretty awesome! I had great company that day as well with 3 friends with. We set out early to conquer it, and conquer we did. I was sad that there was clouds to the south blocking views of Mt. Rainier. I guess I'll have to come back to see that another day. I also discovered from this hike that my hiking boots were not the right ones for me as they would leave me with a blister on the back of my heals. This was fixed within the next week with a trip to REI and a new pair of boots in hand.

Lake Cushman/ Staircase Rapids/ Copper Creek Trail

I wanted to see a different part of Olympic National Park then I had seen before, so I suggested we head over to the Lake Cushman area (indicated by the drop point above). You have to go down and around the water and go back up north to get to this area of the peninsula. It takes just a little over 2 hours from Seattle. So myself and two friends (Dorris & Amy) headed out bright and early to make this trek.

We started with the hike Staircase Rapids. I had seen many photos of this before and wanted to see it for myself. Washington Trails website says this hike is 4 miles round trip, but a sign there said 2, so we did something in-between that. Not really sure. It was a flat hike that had one major obstacle of a huge tree down that we had to navigate off path for. Then you get to this giant bridge that crosses the river. I really love bridges in forests so I was ooing and awhing over this one. The water was so blue in this area. There is a campsite right off the river that would be a lovely place to stay. We got back to the car after about an hour and a half and then headed to our next destination.

After a picnic in the car, we did Copper Creek next. There was probably a couple other options in the area but glancing at it on WTA, it seemed not too hard. Well I am still learning the ratio of elevation gain/miles and WTA said 5 miles roundtrip and 2400 elevation gain. I've done a lot of hikes comparable and didn't think anything of it. This hike was straight incline the whole time. I don't think I have done a hike that was this steep ever. We struggled hard core the whole way up. It felt like it would never end. We finally reached the top and unfortunately, there wasn't very good clearings of the views around. We saw a little section of the Olympics to our north, but I really hoped to have a good view of Lake Cushman to our south. We headed back down and over all it took us 3hr 20 minutes total.

Overall the area is gorgeous, but when I go back to visit this park I would love to go back and explore more of Hurricane ridge/ Hoh rainforest and the coast.

Ancient Lakes

Picture overload like woah. When it's your first ever backpacking trip you document the sh** out of it. So we finally got to try out all the new gear, put our new knowledge of this new hobby to work. We decided on this destination as it is a very popular spring backpacking trip. It's in central/eastern Washington, sunny, warm and dry. Things that the western portion is usually lacking in the spring. It was an easy 2 miles into the lakes where we then set up camp. We got there by 11 and the parking lot was already full. And when I say we, I mean myself, husband and two friends went on this trip together. We get to the lakes and scope out some spots. We found one on top of hill with great views all around and a legit fire pit. We set up camp (didn't take us too long to set up the tent for the first time). We lounged a bit (napped) and then set up minnie day packs to go adventure around the area. Looking at the map I knew the trail made a giant loop so it couldn't be too hard to figure out, right? We follow it around a lake, hop scotch over some giant and shifty rocks and get to this large waterfall. Well the only way is up and it was some intense climbing up loose rock. We all made it in one piece. We explored the upper area with more water falls, lakes and beautiful views. A few miles later and we were heading down into the coulee (this is the word for the canyon type area apparently). There were marmots, snakes, and an owl spotted on this trek. And lots of mosquitos. We were back around 4 and relaxed until diner time. We got to try our new MSR stove out for the first time! (will do some gear reviews at a later date..) We got a freeze dried pad thai and it was delicious. We enjoyed our single beer and whole bottle of wine we brought in a camping wine bag (this is a thing and you should buy it. ) We had good conversation, laughs, met new people and just enjoyed the beauty of the area. We soaked in the sunset, roasted marshmallows and watched shooting stars. This is what dreams are made of.

We hit the hay early (10?) and the three girls decided to catch the sunrise (the sleep deprived surgery resident opted out). It was beautiful and then we went back to sleep for a little while. We woke up, made some oats in the MSR and packed it out to go.

We definitely learned some things we would want to bring next time and can leave out. We would really like an inflatable pillow because sleeping well is awesome. We also would love some kind of seat pad because sitting on the ground gets old. I would not bring so much food and try to plan that better. I'd also bring more/warmer clothes because I am a baby and sleeping outside in the 40's is even cold to me.

Backpacking/hiking/adventures challenge me in new ways all the time. I think that is a way it is addicting and always calling me back for more. I had to cross steams that had me shaking in my boots, use the restroom in the woods (sober), and totally leave behind everything that makes life comfortable. While some people couldn't stand the thought of all of that, it totally makes me wanting more and ready to take on the next adventure.

Here's to new hobbies, friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

Mt. Si

We put our mind to doing Mt. Si this weekend, not really sure if we were ready, but went for it anyways. Mt. Si is 8 miles roundtrip and 3150 elevation gain- the most we have done yet. We knew we had to get out there early to get a parking spot and avoid a stampede of crowds. We left Seattle at 7AM and got there a little before 8. The parking lots was over half full at this point. We started the hike just around 8. The way up was a continual grade that was exhausting and difficult. The hike is rated expert. There really isn't much to see at all on the way up, no look outs at all. We stopped to rest maybe 2-3 times just to catch our breath before going on. The trail was very well maintained with no trees down or anything. 2 hours and 7 minutes later we got to the top and it was stunning. I would not recommend this hike on a cloudy day because what would be the point? Mt. Rainier will always be my favorite and this hike gave us an up close and personal view of her. We sat and adventured around the top for about an hour. I really could've stayed up there all day it was so beautiful. Oh, and we ran into a group from Minnesota and Wisconsin and one of the guys graduated in my husbands med school class and is a resident at UW. Such a small world. At the top there is a haystack that gets you 200 feet higher, but it is very advanced scrambling and we were not looking to die this day. We made our way down in 1 hour 30 minutes. After this hike we feel like we are ready for Mailbox. Won't be able to attempt it for awhile, but we're coming for ya.

Lake Serene

We left by 8:15 and got to the trail head by 9:30. I believe we took the very last spot in the parking lot. As the season goes on we are learning to leave earlier and earlier for hikes... We got on all our gear and headed on. It was a clear day which made the views along the way stunning. 2 miles in we hit our first landmark of the Bridal Veils falls. It was another half mile off the trail (and some crazy incline later) and we were there. The falls themselves are a sight to see. We stopped here for awhile and then were on our way again. The incline got pretty serious at this point and felt never ending. 2 more miles felt like an eternity. There were many streams to cross and trees to climb over/under along the way as well. I read that .5 mile from the lake the snow started, this was about accurate. We got to try our new handy dandy Yaktrax's at this point. We learned our lesson from Lake 22 and slipping and sliding everywhere. They gave us just the traction we needed + our poles and we were golden. We finally arrived at the lake and yes indeed it was serene (except for the somewhat large amount of people). We wandered around the lake a bit taking in the views and just enjoying the moment. It was at this moment where we were wishing we had a stove to make some freeze dried warm comfort food + coffee after this long trek. Our Cliff bars and jerky would have to do. Up until this point the hike had taken 4.5 hours. The trek down took about an hour and a half making for a total of 6 hours for almost 9 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain. By the end we were wiped out, feet sore and ready to relax. Thank goodness we got to end the day by going to get ciders with new friends. Another great day in the PNW.

Franklin Falls

My new friend, Doris, invited me to a hike with two other people I had never met. I jumped at the chance, of course, and we began our journey out early. We were moseying to the trail head when out of no where the road was completely blocked with snow. Our only option was to get out and walk to the trailhead. We had to walk about a mile to the trail head. The road/trail was way snowier than we expected. I did not dress appropriately for this and am slowly learning my lesson with proper clothing choices. I also should have brought my new Yak Trax's as there were some really slippery spots along the way. We got to the waterfall, finally, and it was so beautiful. We didn't stay long because it was really cold and windy down there! On our way there we saw one group of people that didn't go all the way to the falls because of the snow. On our way back we saw probably 30 people heading to the trail. I love early hikes with minimal people. This is the way to do it people. Overall a day of snow adventures, magical snow covered trees, a beautiful waterfall and 3 new friends.

Oyster Dome

We left by 9 AM to head to Oyster Dome, which is about an hour and a half north of Seattle. I read over and over again that this is an awesome winter hike, and it did not disappoint. The parking for this hike is just on the side of the road off of the trail head, so get here early as there are not many spots. We were truly blessed with a sunny, clear day. A rare gem in the PNW. We started out on the trail, and like I read, the beginning is really steep. This hike was 6.5 miles and 1900 ft elevation gain, the longest and steepest hike we've done to date. Just making our way up to longer and bigger hikes (here's looking at you Mailbox Peak) . After a mile into the trail you get a wonderful lookout point that is a taste of what is to come. We trekked the 2.25 more miles to the top over streams, rocks and steep, steep terrain. We finally made it and the view was breathtaking. It was clear, sunny and could see for miles and miles. What you are seeing in these photos are the Orcas Island, only accessible by ferry, obviously known for the Orcas whales that come up this way. Could even make out the top of the Olympic Mountains in a distance as well. We sat at the top for about 30 minutes snacking, enjoying the view and taking in the rare vitamin D. After awhile, we packed up and made our way back down in lightening time. So SO much easier with our poles on the way down helping us move a bit faster, but with some extra support not to fall (which would happen to me very easily). Overall a very beautiful hike with some amazing views. Probably a winter tradition, but save it for a sunny day!

Lake 22

We left for the hike by 9 and got to the trail head by 10:15. Learning to leave earlier and earlier for hikes as small parking lots fill up crazy fast. We put on our packs and hit the trail. It started with some easy incline for over a mile. With snow melting up the mountain, the whole trail was basically a river. Time to put the Oboz hiking boots to the test. At some points there were full on water falls to cross, but nothing impassable. We got to a clearing on the trail that turned to all very steep rock. This part was more difficult to get through and around fallen trees. Another half mile or so and we finally reached the lake. Leading to the lake was compact, slippery snow. We are learning more and more what gear we need by when we don't have the correct gear. Spikes would have been really great for this hike on the snow. We did have our trekking poles with that helped a lot. The lake was just another world, something you have to see with your own eyes to really capture the beauty of it. Snow covered mountains, a frozen lake and peace transcended the air. We hung out in the middle of the lake for awhile having a snack and savoring the beauty. We made our way down the mountain with the whole trip taking about 3 hours. Lake 22 will need to be a winter hike norm.

Little Si

We have some pretty big (for us) hiking goals, so slowly making our way up bigger and steeper trails. We would love to do Mt. Si, Mailbox Peak, and possibly make it to Camp Muir this summer. Getting a head start on this in February should help condition us to make it happen.

Little Si is 4.7 miles round trip and 1300 elevation gain. Mt. Si is 8 miles, 3150 elevation gain, yikes. This hike wasn't too terribly hard at all. The middle leveled out with some steepness at the end, but not unbearable. The summit was busy and over run with families and the view was alright, not as good as Rattlesnake. It was much more enjoyable without the pooch (sorry Cooper, some day you'll be ready to hike). The hiking boots are wearing in nicely and we are learning more and more each time (like needing a Discover Pass to be in a state park, hello). Our next investment is in 2 Opsprey day packs (talon 22 for him and tempest 20 for me). These should be really good 3 season, day packs. What I mean by that is being able to use it when it's cold and pack many layers with. Probably getting them within the next week to use the current REI deal. They always get us.

Snoqualmie Falls

A beautiful waterfall within 45 minutes of Seattle.

A beautiful waterfall within 45 minutes of Seattle.

Rattlesnake Ridge

The very popular, very busy Rattlesnake Ridge. Popular for it's proximity to Seattle, moderate incline and great views. We had just bought our new hiking boot, Obos, and were ready to put them to the test with the pup in hand. The incline was challenging, but doable. We learned a lesson with hiking with Cooper though, it's really hard. He is still a puppy and pulls so hard on the leash making it not enjoyable for all. The top was beautiful though and worth the trek. We wanted to get this one done for the season before it gets crazy busy there in the summer. I also found out my hiking boots were a size too small, learned that the hard way on the way down the hike. Good thing REI has an excellent return policy.