Annual fall hike to Lake Ingalls.
Summary: Larches are past peak, but still lovely. Trail is easy to follow until the short scramble to the lake, and even that is not bad with some route-finding skills. There are few obstacles and very little snow all along the trail. Be prepared sudden weather changes.
Arrived at TH around 11:00 AM, and the lot was almost full. The road is in great condition with minor washboard areas.
The weather couldn't make up its mind switching back and forth from sunny to cloudy snd breezy to sudden drops in temperature followed by snowfall, and back to sunny. I was glad I came prepared with all the appropriate clothing layers.
Lovely steady uphill hike to Ingalls Pass, with all the fall colors. The views from the pass were expansive, even with the clouds. The Larches are yellow to brown, and actively dropping needles in the breeze.
Heading down into the bowl there was a little snow and ice between rocks, and on the sides of the trail, but microspikes were not needed, just carefull stepping and planning. The temperature dropped in the afternoon, and there was a little snowfall so that the trail was a bit icier heading back.
Easy to follow the trail until the final rock scramble over to the lake. The easier route turns northwest shortly after crossing Headlight Creek and the intersection with the Ingalls Way alternate trail. There is a small stream that the route follows most of the way up and over. Don't be fooled by the trail that continues east. You can get to the lake that way, but it's more confusing. Trust me I've done it several times.
The final approach to the lake was slushy and slippery, but microspikes would not have helped, especially on the bare rock.
The Lake was beautiful with Stewart mostly hidden by clouds. A sudden drop in temperature followed by wind and snow cut my lunch short, so I layered up and headed back.
The hike back was uneventful except the short section back up to Ingalls Pass was icier because of the new snow and decreased temperature.
There were several more cars in the lot when I returned. I saw about 30 people over the entire trail and 8 others at the lake, busier than I expected for a weekday after peak larches.
Comments