6.6 Miles and 2,641 feet of elevation gain.
This is one of our favorite areas. Using the Rocky Run trail head significantly reduces the distance and crowds, although since the trail up Rocky Run has been added to the Green Trails map, more people are using this route. We do the loop portion in a counter clockwise direction.
Just prior to the turn off for Lake Laura, yellow jackets had built a nest in the middle of the trail. When the dogs went up the trail they stirred up the nest and apparently didn't get stung. As I was looking up at all the red flags tied the trees I heard buzzing and looked down to see I was only a few feet from the nest. A quick retreat back down the trail left me with only one minor sting. The boys were smart enough to stay on the other side of the nest. Fortunately it was an easy bushwhack around the nest.
View from the road to the trail head. I-90 through the Snoqualmie Pass area covered in fog.
The trail head.
Lake Lillian
The trail along Lake Lillian heading up to the ridge through the trees in the center of the picture.
Looking down the trail to Lake Lillian. This is a steep and can be quite slippery when the dirt is very dry. Fortunately it had just rained the day before.
Looking down on Lake Lillian from the start of the ridge.
Mt Rainier from the same location.
On the way to the lakes.
A view of Rachael Lake.
The first of the lakes. Sly is ready to chase sticks in the water.
On our return, we'll climb the talus field to the notch in the center of the picture
Rampart Lakes
At the top of the talus field looking down on Rampart Lakes and Alta Mt.
The edge of Rampart Ridge.
The west side of loop has many tarns for the boys.
Chasing sticks.
Blue trying to get a waterlogged stick and Sly just waiting for some real action.
Rampart Ridge from the north side of the Hyak Exit on I-90. I believe we were at the right hand side of the large hump.
