Lake Ingalls — Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013

Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway

This is one of my favorite hikes. It goes through several distinct ecosystems that all look very different and beautiful. I think that it is very cool that you don't actually see any larches until you reach the pass. It's always a big surprise awaiting. The larches are at peak fall color and should be very nice for several days. The road to the trailhead has more potholes than usual. The first mile of trail is snow free now. The 2nd mile is about 20% snow covered but thin and melting. The last mile is 80% covered in snow ranging from an inch to as much as 3 feet near the pass. The snow is all nicely packed down except the last 100 yards. It was cold and windy at the pass. Post holing is a small problem at the pass and leading down into Headlight Basin. The entire basin is covered in snow that is deep enough that snow shoes would be best. I didn't have snow shoes so the pass was my turn around point.