Venture into a deep wilderness valley shadowed by craggy pinnacles of the Stuart Range and the Wenatchee Mountains' broad flank of summits. Located in one of the largest roadless valleys in the Central Cascades, Ingalls Creek drains a vast area of rugged and stunning beauty. Continuously following the wilderness waterway, let rapids and ripples, crashing cascades and swirling eddies mesmerize you along the way. Come in spring and enjoy a trail lined with flowers-paintbrush, lupine, trillium, glacier lilies, and more.

Starting from the site of a long-gone lodge and cabins (look for foundations), the well-trodden trail takes off into a forest of pine and fir that bears scars from a 1990s fire. The creek nearby is always within sight or sound of the trail-especially the latter. In late spring it can be downright deafening. Save conversation for the ride home. The roaring creek does, however, have a nice upside. It funnels a stream of cool air down the valley, providing nice air-conditioning on hot days.

At 1 mile come to a pleasant creekside campsite, which easily doubles as a stuff-your-face or cut-some-afternoon-Zs spot. There are plenty more farther upstream. Cross a small scree slope and steadily climb above the careening creek. Pass a boulder yard and big, beautiful ponderosa pines. At 2 miles the trail hugs the creek at a cavalcade of rapids before passing beneath granite cliffs. Window views to the imposing surrounding summits soon open up.

After passing a lone giant pine at about 3 miles, you may see some rusty pipes and debris scattered about. An old mine perhaps? Then hop over a side creek, traverse a cool cedar grove, and cross a brushy avalanche slope before making a short, steep climb to a rocky knoll with an excellent view downstream.

Continuing, the way descends slightly to meet up once again with the raucous waterway. Approaching Ingalls' confluence with Falls Creek that tumbles down from the high slopes of Navaho Peak, the trail crosses an avalanche slope stripped down to bedrock. It then enters a lush flat of old-growth firs and spruce, meeting up at 5.5 miles with the Falls Creek Trail (elev. 3450 ft). Head down to an inviting gravel bar and take a break. Watch for harlequin ducks and dippers while replenishing.