When we first began dating, we drove out to the pass hoping to reach Rachel Lake. Of course, we never made it to the lake and being new to the area, I never placed exactly where we were. Two years later, I see a photo of Rampart Lakes and know I have to check them out. I'm a sucker for alpine meadows and tundra carved out by glaciers, and this area delivers. Little did I know Rampart Ridge is reached via Rachel Lake. Two birds with one stone! The trail is close to 7 miles and almost all of the elevation gain is in the last extremely long mile. Frankly, Rachel Lake was a little disappointing for the effort required to get there. That and the mosquitoes ensured we didn't stay long. Onward and upward - the grind from Rachel to the Ridge, carrying two days' supplies on our backs.
The Ridge did not disappoint. Absolutely amazing! Ice cold lakes, lush growth, lakes, tarns, streams, and more ridges to climb the next day. On the highest ridge, we were on top of the world with views from Baker to Rainier. We saw several deer race so quickly up a 500' mound of rock they seemed to fly.
A friend joined us for the second night at the Lakes and we all fell asleep to the sound of high winds rushing through trees.
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