Entering the Alpine Lakes Wilderness shortly after leaving the Rachel Lake trailhead.
Much of the trail's flat early miles parallel Box Canyon Creek.
Not a great picture of our greeter to the trail. Less than a mile in this pretty owl flew straight down the trail towards us before swinging up onto the tree…
The climb out of the valley towards Rachel Lake begins. Hibox Mountain is the peak to the right.
Rachel Lake was still as glass. We had the lake to ourselves during our snack break.
Looking up at where we have to go next. The trail picks its way up this face and then follows the band of trees in the middle of the picture.
Up over the top of the ridge are the Rampart Lakes, one of the most beautiful spots in all of the Central Cascades.
Looking back down at Rachel Lake and Box Creek Canyon that we came up.
