Lake Lillian, ALWTrip reported by: Reuben Slasor.
Reuben really knows the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and is looking for hiking partners who aren't afraid of a challenge. Reuben's web site is linked on the Bearings page.
This is another remote hike that will require some snow crossing.
Photo: [Top] Lake Lillian; [Bottom] Mt. Rainier from the trail. (Slasor photos.)
The weather could not have been better and I managed to take photos of every lake on the trail (Lake Lillian, Margaret Lake, Lake Laura and Twin Lakes). None of the lakes were frozen over, except part of Lake Lillian. The trail was open and I only had trouble finding the trail in a few locations. I left the main trail and hiked to the ridge overlooking Swan Lake and the Rock Rabbit Lakes. I also needed to leave the main trail to get a good photo of Margaret Lake. There is a great view of Mount Rainier from Lake Lillian, and most of the hike is simply breathtaking.
Editor's note: I once hiked to what I thought was Lake Lillian in a storm with zero visibility. I woke up to a perfectly clear September day and the realization that Lillian was a few hundred feet down--straight down--the slope from me. I was actually camped at a small tarn called Leslie lake, with the company of four curious elk.
Stats: Lake Lillian is at 4800'. You will climb from 3600' to 5200' in the first 2.7 miles of the hike. The total hike is 8.8 miles round trip and the altitude gain is 1600' in and 400' out.
Getting there: Drive to the Rampart Ridge trailhead.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.