Day Hike to Lake Ingalls

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.