|
August
2, 2000
This
trail is not maintained and for experienced hikers only. You can
hike this area in different ways or directions. We offer a loop
to make this hike more exciting. The trail begins on the east shore
of Lake Lillian. After 0.2 of very steep climbing the trail enters
the ridge. There is a junction there, where the right fork leads
to the summit, that rises on the east side of the lake. Main trail
continues straight. In about 0.2 mile it reaches a small lake and
then crosses a stream. There will be no water source on the
trail for a long time. Make sure you have enough with you.
The
trail continues on a meadow slope, which is very colorful at this
time of year, and in about 0.3 mile enters the ridge and reaches
a junction. To the right a short trail leads to a summit with a
very good view of the Rampart Lakes and Rachel Lake  .
In about 100 feet another trail steeply descends to the right for
about 0.5 mile to Rampart Lakes, that provides access to Rachel
Lake Trail #1313.
The
trail continues along the ridge for 0.3 mile to an abrupt edge.
Turn right and look for a passage down in about 200 feet. The passage
leads to yet another junction - one more trail leads to the right
to Rampart Lakes. To the left goes a trail leading to Lake Lillian,
that can be used as a way back. This trail descends into the valley
along the creek, passes several small lakes and connects with a
main trail before descend to Lake Lillian.
From
the junction the trail steeply climbs for about 0.2 mile to the
Rampart Ridge .
Near the summit do not ascend on it, but look for a trail that leads
to the right around the summit. There is a much easier way to the
summit from there.
From
the summit the trail follows the ridge for about 1 mile. At times
the ridge is very narrow (about 1 foot) so please exercise caution.
The trail steeply descends, then goes around another summit ,
ascends again to the ridge and in about 0.3 mile ends at the abrupt
edge. There is a campsite there.
Along
all the trail the views of the surrounding valley and the mountains
are astonishing. You will see Rampart Lakes ,
Mount Rainier on the south, Snoqualmie
Mountain and Red Mountain on the west, Alaska Mountain and Mount
Thompson on the north-west, Huckleberry Mountain on the north, Alta
Mountain and Box Ridge on the north-east.
|
