Dogs are NOT allowed on the Ingalls Way Trail including at Headlight Basin and Ingalls Lake. Please respect these restrictions, they are in place for good reason. It was disappointing to see several people willfully and knowingly ignoring the rules and continue with their dogs into this restricted area. The signage is clear not only at the trailhead, but also on the WTA trail description & forest service website.
Washington Trails
Association
Trails for everyone, forever
Comments
RatherbeSurfing on Lake Ingalls
Hello, I was out there with my dog on this day, we went cross country to fortune creek pass before we hit headlight basin. Dogs are allowed up to the pass but not into the basin.
Posted by:
RatherbeSurfing on Oct 23, 2024 07:33 AM
jaimeeee on Lake Ingalls
This is the exact wording from the forest service website: Dogs are prohibited on Ingalls Way Trail and in Headlight Basin.
This is the exact wording from WTA: **Note that dogs are not allowed at Lake Ingalls. Canine friends are allowed on the trail to Esmeralda Basin, which shares the first 0.4 miles with the trail to Lake Ingalls. However, from the junction of the Esmeralda Basin trail and the Ingalls Way trail, dogs are no longer allowed. This includes Ingalls Pass and the Longs Pass.
Posted by:
jaimeeee on Oct 23, 2024 09:35 AM
RatherbeSurfing on Lake Ingalls
I see. According to the trailhead signage and the sign at Ingalls pass, It seemed pretty clear that the pass was my turnaround point and that the ridge, longs pass and fortune peak were ok.
I’ve hiked here for 20 years now and never had an issue. I’m sorry my dog offended you. I suggest contacting the forest service and asking them to update their physical signage to make it more clear at the trailhead.
Posted by:
RatherbeSurfing on Oct 23, 2024 12:44 PM
jaimeeee on Lake Ingalls
The trailhead signage specifically says "dogs are prohibited in and on any trail accessing Headlight Basin and Ingalls Lake" (i included a photo of that signage in this report). I am not offended by dogs, we are dog owners ourselves. I am only offended by people who don't think that the rules apply to them.
Posted by:
jaimeeee on Oct 23, 2024 01:17 PM
RatherbeSurfing on Lake Ingalls
Well then that would apply to Esmeralda and icicle creek (where dogs are allowed) but not longs pass (where dogs are not allowed according to your internet research)
Posted by:
RatherbeSurfing on Oct 23, 2024 01:39 PM
RatherbeSurfing on Lake Ingalls
I guess it would apply to all because longs pass can only be accessed via ingalls or icicle.
Posted by:
RatherbeSurfing on Oct 23, 2024 01:41 PM
jaimeeee on Lake Ingalls
Dude, you're just not getting it. The rules are clearly posted and available for anyone to research. I'm not even talking about you specifically and your off-trail route, people are constantly taking dogs straight into the Basin and to the lake with both ignorance and blatant disregard. This TR is meant to educate not argue semantics. Time to move on.
Posted by:
jaimeeee on Oct 23, 2024 01:54 PM
RatherbeSurfing on Lake Ingalls
I meant ingalls creek. They’re also allowed on Jack creek on the other side.
But ok I agree you, those people who take dogs into the basin suck. Happy trails
Posted by:
RatherbeSurfing on Oct 23, 2024 01:57 PM
RatherbeSurfing on Lake Ingalls
I meant ingalls creek. They’re also allowed on Jack creek on the other side.
But ok I agree you, those people who take dogs into the basin suck. Happy trails
Posted by:
RatherbeSurfing on Oct 23, 2024 01:57 PM
RatherbeSurfing on Lake Ingalls
It also says on that sign the reasoning for the rules. They don’t want the damage of dogs to these popular lake basins. When you have someone like me using the first few miles of this trail to access a cross country route that only a couple people do every week, not going anywhere near the lakes, I seriously doubt the forest service cares much and if they do they should make that more clear in their signage
Posted by:
RatherbeSurfing on Oct 23, 2024 01:49 PM
TabTabscott on Lake Ingalls
I proudly reported a party with a dog carrying a backpack on the Colchick lake trail. Each one of the assholes got a $500 ticket. I will continue to report violators every chance I get. Same crowd that leaves their dogshit bags by the trail? WHC? Probably.
Posted by:
TabTabscott on Oct 23, 2024 10:16 AM
RatherbeSurfing on Lake Ingalls
Good for you. Sounds like you’re very proud of yourself. I’m surprised anyone would take a dog there.
Not sure what whc means
Posted by:
RatherbeSurfing on Oct 23, 2024 12:47 PM
ejain on Lake Ingalls
"WHC" is a Facebook group where people inferior to us get their hiking info 🤪
Posted by:
ejain on Oct 25, 2024 10:18 PM