The first couple of miles of the trail are snow-free and in great shape. I selected “intermittent snow” because there are small patches of snow starting at about 3 miles in. I heard that the trail is still covered in snow starting at about mile 5 or 6.

One small stream crossing within first two miles that isn’t hard to step over. The creek itself is raging and moving very fast. Be careful if you step near it- someone in my party had their water filter swept away.

Glacier Lilies are in full bloom and are everywhere- so gorgeous. Lots of other wildflowers out too.

Saw deer droppings in a few places but didn’t see any deer. Did not encounter any wildlife whatsoever the whole time. A hiker passing by mentioned that he might have seen a wolf. He saw something that was much bigger and huskier than a coyote.

Stayed overnight at one of the campsites about 2 miles in. The campsite was in good shape and had enough room for 3-4 tents. 

Beautiful hike and great weekend to be out. Parking lot only had a few other cars when we arrived and also a few when we left. Check for ticks as they are out- at least one member of my party went home with one. 

Jennifer, Michael, Tyler, and I hiked 7 miles up colorful Ingalls Creek. The trail is in great shape. Many thanks to the folks that brushed-out the first 4 miles!!

The fall colors are quite good right now, some species are fading, some are just coming in. The cottonwood and maples are quite pretty. In the fall you can really see how many species of plants, bushes, and trees are in this valley. After 5 miles you will start to see larches (especially on the southern side of the valley, picture 4), many of them are golden. Hwy 97 is quite pretty too, especially the yellow cottonwoods and golden larches near Blewett Pass.

This loop hike is perfect for the more advanced hiker/adventurer that wants to see some larches, avoid the crowds, and get a good work-out while enjoying more up-close views of Mount Stuart...but it is not recommended for the casual larch viewer. On Gaia we clocked just over 11 miles and ~3700’ of elevation gain.

My friend and I arrived at the Esmeralda/Lake Ingalls TH at 7:20am on a Friday and had our pick of parking spots in the main parking area.  By the time we returned at 2:20pm there were cars parked probably 3/4 of a mile down the trail...and we were shocked.  The way we did this loop provided unbelievable solitude.

We made it up to Ingalls Pass fairly quickly, seeing only a handful of other hikers on their quest for larches.  It was smokey, but not unbearable.  Larches were in full color, likely at their peak as some are already dropping needles.  We opted to take the right-hand trail through Headlight Basin past the camp areas but having been to Lake Ingalls before in larch season; both paths are spectacular, and for those only going to/from the lake, do both!  

There were a handful of other hikers at the lake when we arrived, including a very handsome goat, that was clearly used to humans being around, but seemed more curious than aggressive.  After a nice break, we headed left around the lake to connect to the Ingalls Creek trail on the back side.  There are some cairns, but it was slow going climbing over the rocks as many of them have been polished smooth from all the foot traffic, so they are quite slick in many spots.  The view from the back side of the lake was one of my favorites from the whole hike.

There are enough 'social trails' at the back side of the lake, that it was nice having Gaia (or whatever GPS you might use) to do quick checks to ensure we were on the right trail. It became even more useful as we descended down the Ingalls Creek trail, which is far less traveled and has places where you can easily wander off trail when avoiding small blowdowns or crossing drainage paths that look like the trail more than the trail.  It was a long, relatively easy descent down the backside of Lake Ingalls to Ingalls Creek camp. Then the real fun began. You climb ~1,000' in less than a mile with no switchbacks.  We didn't expect it be as challenging as it was, but after already having gone 8 or 9 miles, the straight up ascent on a hot, smokey day, with minimal/no switchbacks was a grind.  It is the last 200’ of ascent that make me caution less experienced hikers away. It is very steep, very slick in places due to the lack of traction on gravel, required a bit of scrambling and good traction shoes. Poles were essential!

The positives included spectacular up-close views of Mount Stuart, a large grove of larches as you ascend to Long’s Pass, AND solitude.  On a crazy, busy larch viewing Friday, we saw exactly 4 people from the time we left Lake Ingalls until we reached the junction to the main trail again.  The descent back to the TH from Long’s Pass is a veritable freeway (without people), smooth, and nicely graded switchbacks, compared to the straight down gravel on the backside!

If you’re looking to add a little adventure to your larch hike this year, do this loop. Just be prepared with route-finding skills, good traction, poles and lots of water for this unseasonably hot weather!

Did an overnight backpack starting from Beverly Trailhead, going down to Ingalls Creek and meandering around Fourth Creek Trail with a friend. The trails were very beautiful and dry. A marathon was going on when we came in Saturday, so it was busy, and we ran into several hunters around the big camp by the Fourth Creek/Beverly Turnpike Trail (they had guns and bows). Glad I brought bright colors.

Trees down the trails in various spots and the crossing from Fourth Creek Trail over Ingalls Creek was tricky. I fell in when I was walking over on slippery rocks and got wet, but it was only a few inches deep.

Lots of pretty fall colors starting to come out, some flowers, and great views on the way down to Icicle Creek.

Mainly posting this in case anyone reading found a silver watch at our campsite, ~2 miles in.  If so, I can describe in more details - 206-858-3842. Thanks!

Picked this hike for the relative flatness for our 3 1/2 year-old to hike/walk, since she is now too heavy to carry!  Well maintained trail and surprisingly quiet for a Labor Day weekend - figure people had more ambitious objectives or wanted to park and camp.  Numerous campsites - after setting up ours ~2 miles in explored further down the trail over the days and saw many more well established sites.  The creek provided plenty of water and white noise and entertainment.  The worst bugs were actually the bees, which was manageable, at least for us (no allergies).  Some flies, and didn't see any mosquitoes.  

Didn't see the bears mentioned, but we did see the rattlesnake ~3 miles in.  Looked like it was the northern pacific rattlesnake from the coloring, but not an expert.  It was in the tall grass right by the trail and we heard it, and then saw it right away.  Of course, we moved along quickly.  

Mostly ran into campers going further in, trailrunners and a few casual day hikers.  Really nice trail, and nice short road from 97 - bonus is The Rock is right at the entrance to Ingalls Creek Road for great milkshakes, and coffee and food.