Ingalls Creek

Hike of the Week:

June 9, 2008

View of the Stuart Range from the Ingalls Creek trail. Photo by Robert Michelson.

Location: off Blewitt Pass
Distance: 12 miles roundtrip to Falls Creek Camp; many longer backpacking options available
Elevation: 1200 ft gain to 3200 ft
Maps: Green Trails 209 Mount Stuart

Why Go?

Located off of Blewitt Pass in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Ingalls Creek is often awash in sunshine when other places in the Cascades are not. In June, the wildflowers are the star attraction, lining the trail for the first five miles. Not to be outdone, Ingalls Creek itself is a constant companion, roaring with snowmelt this time of year.

Wildflowers, like this tiger lily, are profuse in June along the Ingalls Creek trail. Photo by 'Bob & Barb.'

The trail to Falls Creek Camp is a gentle ascent, giving you ample opportunity to inspect the flowers: trillium, balsamroot, lupine, tiger lily, glacier lily, paintbrush, and even calypso orchids. If the flower is past its prime at the trailhead, chances are it will be in bloom up the trail a bit. And don't forget to look up - lots of peak-a-boo views of the Stuart Range too.

The trail is in good shape to Falls Creek - about 6 miles in. There are a few blowdowns, but nothing too difficult to navigate. It is impossible right now to camp at Falls Creek Camp, which requires fording of the creek which is swollen with meltwater. And beyond Falls Creek, you are likely to encounter snow - and who knows when that will actually melt this year!

More Information

Guidebook: 100 Hikes in Washington's Alpine Lakes by Vicky Spring, Ira Spring & Harvey Manning (Mountaineers Books). For current conditions: Wenatchee River Ranger District: (509) 548-6977. Check WTA Hiking Guide and Trip Reports.

Driving Directions

Drive north on US Hwy 97 to 12.5 miles north of Blewett Pass (also called Swauk Pass). Turn left on Ingalls Creek Road and go one mile to the trailhead at road's end. Northwest Forest Pass required.