Alta Mountain : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost

Overview

Alta Peak is a classic summit that is located in the Alpine Lakes Region. Home to stellar views, Alta Peak is popular destination for those want to bag a beautful peak along with checking out the amazing Rachel Lake. One of the major advantages of this mountain is that it is only 12 miles roundtrip and the technical difficulty of this peak during summer is barely Class 2, with only one small section of exposure on a narrow ridge near the top. It is an ideal late summer-early fall summit to go for because the trail up is then snowfree and the berries are out towards the high country.

The route up starts with the Racheal Lake trail which barely gains any elevation in the first 3 miles. It goes up the stream valley up to beginning of the ridge. The trail then steepens and rises up to Racheal Lake. From there a climbers path lies and heads to the right up Racheal Lake. It alternates between moderates and steeper pitches. Once you attain the ridge the trail follow the ridge to the summit. Though it is a well used climbers path there is one section where a little caution is need about 1/2 mile before the summit. Total one way trip time if conditions are ideal would 2-4 hours up or 5 to 8 roundtrip not including photo taking, which will be a lot.

There are excellent views on this summit. You can go through an entire roll of film from this summit. These amazing views include Rainier, Glacier, Sloan, Hibox, Chikamin, Thomson and most all the peaks in the vicinity. Most who summit Alta agree that it is one of the most beautiful summits in this region in terms of great views.

Getting There

From Seattle, take I-90 E to Exit 62. Turn left on Kachess Lake Road #49 and follow it for about 5 miles. At the junction, turn left onto gravel Road # 4930. The Rachel Lake trailhead will be about 4 miles on the right-hand side of the road.

Big parking lot and toilets are available. Beware: This parking lot is famous for break-ins!!!!