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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike is quite mild for the first three miles, a gentle upwards slope in a valley- Nice stopping points along the river. The next and final mile is known as "the mile from hell!" You essentially gain all of your vertical during this stretch- The views on top are well worth the hike- A great hike in the fall with the changing colors of the leaves. Trailhead: Take I-90 East over Snoqualmie Pass, and get off on exit 63 (Lake Kachess) . Turn left and continue for approximately 5 miles. Take a left onto FSR 4930 (gravel road) and drive until the end of the road. Take a left and you've arrived at the base of the hike. (Lat:47.40095 Lon:-121.28417) Trail Guides for Rachel Lake: 100 Classic Hikes in Washington by Ira Spring (The Mountaineers) Best Hikes With Children by Joan Burton (The Mountaineers) Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Cle Elum Ranger Station- 509-674-4411 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Patrick Harlin, who has posted 1 other hike on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jack Jasko on 9/25/2009 My second hike in one week, first time on sept 17 2009 hiked-climbed to Lili Lake. Second time sept 22 to Rampart lakes then climbed to Rampart Range Mt. Awesome view. Two hours to Rachel lk. And two from Rachel lk to parking lot (surprised, equal time up and down??)Blueberries are awesome. First 500feet uphill, next 500 long but no to much gain then 1000 feet elevation need hands. Poor maintenance on this part (understandable).Recommendation, keep going more up beautiful view of Rachel Lk.just 30 minutes yet. 
Reviewed by Anthony K. on 8/2/2009 This hike was LONG. Well I started a hike 4 miles before I hit this trail thinking nothing of it with a 30lb pack. Well all was fine until the "mile from hell". Should have not done a vertical hike before doing this one. This hike was amazing though and the payoff to see this beautiful lake was worth every ounce of sweat. If you are reading about this trail you should do it, find a better place and I'll call you on it because this is absolutely amazing!! Check it out and the views form waterfalls and valleys are worth it in its own. Have fun!!
Reviewed by sjc on 7/25/2009 I liked the hike, and the dip in the lake at the end of the "Mile from Hell" was a well-deserved treat, BUT the biting flies are relentless. They didn't seem to notice the many layers of bug spray. My hiking mates took a picture of my back where one of the bites swelled up to the size of two silver dollars. I suggest waiting for weather when the bugs go into hibernation.
Reviewed by Jessica on 7/14/2009 mile from hell wasn't bad at all. Trail head was hard to find and the trails are unkept. Beautiful wild flowers and butterflies.
Reviewed by Brandi C on 7/6/2009 Hiked Rachel Lake TH 7/2/09. The steams were alive with fresh snow melt and the flowers where in bloom. We came across some snow at the top. The 1st three miles were easy, but the last mile was a challenge. There is a part where you loose the trail and you have to walk the stream for about 200 yards. Other parts where I was on all 4's scaling roots stair cases and boulders. I would do it again - even in the 104 degree heat! LOVE LIVING IN WA!
Reviewed by cherie on 9/15/2008 my god, this was quite a hike! the first few miles was pretty easy, but like the others said..the last mile up was KILLER! all in all the views and LAKE! was WELL WORTH the hike! :)
Reviewed by amy on 7/28/2008 Great day hike...being in shape really helps on this hike. I beat my brother by almost 1/2 hour. Had to ditch him on the last mile...which was pretty much straight up.
Reviewed by Jason on 10/4/2007 My dad, son and I made Rachel Lake our camp for a 3 night stay in Mid-July. It was the first time I had hiked in Washington. It was beautiful. We hiked to Rampart Lakes and Lila Lakes one day and to the top of Alta Mountain on another day. The Alta Mountain hike is worth the view, but it is strenuous. We would definitely do this hike again. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Washington Hiking, Washington Trails, Washington Hikes, Kittitas County Hiking, Kittitas County Trails, Kittitas County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||