Lake Ingalls

Leavenworth, Washington

4.5/5

based on 3 reviews

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Details

Distance

8.59 miles

Elevation Gain

2999 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Jason Horstman

From the parking lot at the Lake Ingalls Trailhead, 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.

Dogs are not permitted on this trail.

PERMITS:

Permits are required, but are free and can be self-issued at the trailhead.

PARKING:

A Northwest Forest Pass or daily fee is required to park in the lot at the trailhead (FS.USDA.GOV)

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Lake Ingalls Reviews

Sharon Y

Scout

Lake Ingalls

02/22/25

Beautiful- jaw dropping backpacking spot! Hike to campground area was really well marked and pretty well maintenanced! We had about 10 mountain goats keeping us company throughout the day, it was wild to experience. There's a scramble section to the lake that requires bit of navigation - Recommend keeping a keen eye on looking for cairns stacks, asking fellow hikers coming down to ask for directions. Overall one of my favorite hike in WA, especially during larch season.

5.0

NW Adventures

Wanderer

Lake Ingalls

07/05/22

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.

4.0

Jen L

Seeker

Lake Ingalls

11/23/14

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.

4.5

Leave No Trace

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

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Lake Ingalls

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Lake Ingalls Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Lake Ann via Lake Ingalls Trailhead

Climb Mount Stuart

Backpack to Navaho Pass

Spade and Venus Lakes

The Enchantments: Stuart Lake Trailhead to Snow Lake Trailhead

Day Hike the Enchantments

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