Hike Alta Mountain

Start off at Trail #1313 to Rachel Lake. The first 2.5 miles is a flat, slow uphill hike till you get to a river crossing. From there, the next 1.3 miles will be a 1,000 foot elevation gain to Rachel Lake. Once you arrive, this is a good spot to rest, eat some snacks, and replenish your water supply.

To your right, you will pass two signs, pointing to the toilet and a trail. Follow the trail up and around the lake. There are many side trails that are dead-ends, but most are blocked by trees or rocks. Follow the trail for 0.6 miles until you reach a T-intersection in the trail. Left will take you to Rampart Lakes (0.7 miles), but you want to continue right to Lila Lake (1.1 miles).

About 0.3 miles along the trail, the trail will break to the right, blocked by rocks and tree branches. This trail will lead you up to Alta Mountain. The trail with two cairns on it will lead you to Lila Lake. The next 3.6 miles is an uphill scramble, and you will reach 3 false summits before heading to the 4th summit. Here you will find a cairn on top and a full 360 view.

Getting there: From I-90 East, take exit 62. Take a left and head over the highway. At 5.2 miles, the road veers left, passing Lake Kachess Campground. Go another 0.3 miles, now on gravel, and take a right at a sign for Rachel Lake/Trail 1313. At this point, the road gets a little rough. 3.8 miles from the campground, take a left into a pair of one-way parking lots.