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Day Hike to Lake Ingalls

Leavenworth, Washington

4.3/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

9 miles

Elevation Gain

2500 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jason Horstman

Great Fall colors - larch trees! Amazing views of Mt. Stuart (and Mt. Rainier on a clear day). Plenty of room at the lake to eat lunch. Colorful meadows en route to the lake. Camping areas for backpackers. Length: 9 miles roundtrip. Elevation gain: 2500 ft.

From the parking lot you start out on an old miners road that leads to the trail. Keep right at the first fork (left lead to Esmeralda Basin), then in about 2 miles, go left at the next fork (right leads to Ingalls Pass). The trail will climb steadily as you continue. In about another mile you will reach a nice viewpoint where you get stunning views of Esmeralda Peak and Mount Rainier in the background (on a clear day), and just over the hill you will see Mount Stuart and the valley of larch trees below. From here continue to the left where you will descend into a small rock field. Just beyond that you'll reach a gorgeous meadow filled with larch trees and ponds, eventually ascending again over a field of boulders before you drop down to the lake. Once at the lake, there is plenty of room atop the numerous boulders and rock formations to enjoy a nice lunch and gaze at the astounding Mount Stuart in the backdrop.

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Features

Rock Climbing
Camping
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Lake
Scenic
Wildlife

Reviews

Hiked on July 2nd see video for accurate conditions. https://youtu.be/bDpkU0sZepM Snow started near the top of the pass snow was very Firm until sunrise, highly recommend getting a early start. over all trail is in good condition. I did the hike with no gaiters or crampons and was at the lake for sunrise(Lake is still frozen) overall great hike and saw lots of people who where unprepared for this hike. we continued from the lake to North Ingalls peak to do a quick rock climb and summit and upon decent snow was very soft.

During larch season this is a killer hike for scenery. Try to get there before sunrise to catch the sun as it comes up in Headlight Basin. Bonus, you avoid most of the people who arrive later and get the lake practically to yourself for awhile.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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