Rampart Ridge & Alta Mountain

getting there

Take Exit 62 (Kachess Lake) off of I-90 and follow signs 5 miles to Kachess Lake Campground. Turn left onto Box Canyon Road (Forest Road 4930) and drive 4.2 miles to Rachel Lake Trailhead (2,800 ft).

approach & ascent

Rampart Ridge (5,870 ft)

12 miles round trip, 3,100 feet of elevation gain
difficulty: strenuous 3, Technical 5

Hike the trail 4.4 miles through Box Creek Canyon to to Rachel Lake (4,700 ft). Continue on trail north of the lake to ridge crest. Turn left (south) and follow the trail to Rampart Lakes. Stay on trails along the east side of the lakes until you get to base of large boulder gully with cliffs along the left side. Ascend gully via boot path to saddle, 5,570 ft. The path continues down other side, but turn west and continue on boot path up ridge to summit block. Ascend the final 20 feet either on exposed rock face (left side, Technical 5 difficulty rating) or drop right and ascend slabs (Technical 3 difficulty rating) to the summit.

Alta Mountain (6,151 ft)

12 miles round trip, 3,400  feet of elevation gain
difficulty: strenuous 3, technical 1 (rock) or Technical 3 (snow)

Hike the trail 4.4 miles through Box Creek Canyon to to Rachel Lake (4,700 ft). Continue on trail north of the lake to ridge crest. Turn right (north) and follow the trail  and then ridge to the summit.

• Suitable Activities: Scrambling
• Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Strenuous 3, Technical 1, Technical 3, Technical 5
• Length: 12.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 3,100 ft
• High Point: 5,870 ft

• Land Manager: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
  Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Cle Elum Ranger District (OWNF)
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12