Earlier this month I signed up for a WTA work party in the Teanaway Community Forest and planned to spend a few extra days chasing larches on the Lake Ingalls Loop. Those plans went up in smoke (literally) when the Labor Mountain Fire closed access to the trailhead. Wanting to make the most of my time, I pivoted to another hike where I’d heard there might be larches: Sprite Lake via Paddy-Go-Easy Pass.
Road Conditions
The drive in was straightforward. Earlier in the season Scatter Creek can spill across the road and require high clearance, but right now it’s bone dry and easily passable for any vehicle.
The Hike In
I arrived under blue skies with just one other car in the trailhead lot. On the way up, I didn’t see a single soul. Fall colors were already putting on a good show, and there were still plenty of berries along the trail. As for the larches—yes, they’re here, but still early in their season. Just the faintest lime-green shimmer, not yet golden.
The trail itself was in fine shape, though I did initially miss the unmarked spur to Sprite Lake and had to backtrack a short way. Otherwise, smooth sailing!
At the Lake
Sprite Lake was quiet and serene. A single party was camped on the far shore, leaving me plenty of space to claim a sunny rock for lunch. I had pikas for company, their whistles echoing across the basin. A light breeze and the chatter of my distant neighbors were the only sounds breaking the stillness—pure nature bliss.
After lingering by the water, I tromped up to the ridge for some bonus views before heading back down. Clouds rolled in during my descent, but it stayed pleasant and I never did see another hiker.
Takeaways
If you’re chasing solitude with a side of larches, Sprite Lake is a great shoulder-season choice. Come a little later if you’re hoping for peak golden colors, but the fall berries, crisp air, and quiet trails made this trip memorable even without the larches at full fire.
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