Rachel Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Cascades

Another solo hike, this time up in the central Cascades to a place called “Rachel Lake”. I never actually made it to the lake, taking a wrong turn at one point, but I did have a fantastic time regardless. The hike started out ominously, with only one other vehicle in the parking lot: a 70s style van with small curtained windows. If anyone wanted to cause trouble, now would be the time. As it was, there was no trouble and I enjoyed a peaceful hike along the valley floor before making the arduous ascent up the end of the box canyon. Magnificent views awaited me at the top.