Lake Ingalls Fall Hike

Today, we headed over to the Teanaways to hike up to Lake Ingalls. Beautiful fall hike, with lots of fall color, golden larches, a gorgeous alpine lake and a couple of mountain goats. This was a 10 mile round trip hike with 2,500 ft of elevation gain.

 The trail starts at the end of FS Road 9737 in the Teanaways. The trail begins in the forest as it climbs up. After 0.4 miles the trail separates from the Esmeralda Basin Trail (go right toward Ingalls pass)

 At 2 miles the trail reaches another divide, to the right Longs Pass, to the left Ingalls Pass.














As the trail continues climbing, it goes between groups of trees and open areas. There was lots of fall color along the way,

with views of the Esmeralda Peaks.

Further up the trail, far to the south, we could see the top of Mt Adams (zoom),

and the Goat Rocks (zoom).

Nearing Ingalls Pass

Shortly before Ingalls Pass, we saw Mt Rainier rising above the Teanaways to the southwest.

(zoom of Mt Rainier)

At Ingalls Pass, (3+ miles from the trailhead) we entered the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Here we saw golden larches.

And lots of golden larches on the other side of Ingalls Pass, along with fabulous views of Mount Stuart. 

The Ingalls Way trail drops down into the basin, going clockwise around the outside edge of the basin.

A couple of mountain goats on the alternate Ingalls Way Trail below us.

 There were many places along the trail to stop and enjoy majestic Mount Stuart. Here with the larches,

 and here by a stream.

 The Ingalls Way Trail goes into the rocks, and we needed to keep an eye out for cairns to find the way. Heading up the last rocks on the way to Lake Ingalls.

 Up on the rocks, looking back toward Ingalls Pass.

 At Lake Ingalls, Mount Stuart to the right.

Wide angle shot of Lake Ingalls, Ingalls Peak to the left, Mt Stuart towards the right. A beautiful spot to sit and enjoy the views.

We decided to take the Alternate Ingalls Way trail back to Ingalls pass. This is a more direct trail that goes a ways down into the basin and across to Ingalls Pass. Less rocks to cross, and an easier trail to follow.

 The views were from a different angle on this trail and

 took us through the larches.

 a last look at Mount Stuart, before crossing the pass and returning to the trailhead.












Some of the fall color and plants we saw along the trail today: