Hike to Ingalls Pass and Ingalls Lake

The hike to Ingalls pass and Ingalls lake is located in the Snoqualmie Region, in the Tenaway Wilderness. The hike is 9.0 miles roundtrip and has an elevation gain of 2500 ft, with a highest elevation of 6500 ft. The drive is around two hours and fifty minutes, one way. The lake is one of the most popular hikes in the Alpine Lake Wilderness, and rightfully so. Even to the avid Washington hiker, the geology and terrain on this trail is very unique. The trail begins switch-backing up a mountain under the cover of pine trees. The trail crosses few rock meadows, with unusual lime green pigmented rocks everywhere, as well as flaky rocks with black minerals. Soon, the trail begins to enter a world or red and orange rocks. At three miles, the trail reaches Ingalls pass, this is where you enter Alpine Wilderness as well. From the pass, you drop down into the basin filled with green meadows, orange geography, mountain goats, blue streams, flowers, and abundant beauty. Continue hiking on the edge of the basin which looks down into a valley. Here, the trail is easily lost. Thankfully cairns mark the way. The trail rounds a corner and begins inclining for the final push to Lake Ingalls. Trekking poles are helpful for the last 0.3 miles. We finally reached the top of the incline, and were rewarded with a tropical blue colored lake surrounded by large rock faces cascading into the water. Stretching above the lake stands Ingalls peak and to the North Mount Stuart. We tore our sweaty clothes off, unlaced our boots, and jumped in the ice cold water! We even inflated two floaties for a fun picture, before running back to shore to stop shivering! We spent some time sunbathing on rocks. After munching on some carrots and nutella, we packed up our gear and started on the trail again, awaiting the next adventure.