Lake Ingalls — Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014

Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway

Fall is probably one of the best times to go hiking in the mountains. It’s still warm enough and plenty of daylight to make a great day hike. Most importantly, however, early fall offers a great opportunity to see beautiful colors as vegetation slowly prepares for winter ahead. While my family was still in Poland I decided to take advantage of the nice weather and find some nice day hike. During my search I found one very interesting place in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. I always liked the combination of small alpine lakes surrounded by towering mountains so Lake Ingalls really met all my criteria. Lake Ingalls is known for beautiful fall colors and its golden larches. It also offers an amazing view of Mt. Stuart, second highest non-volcanic peak in the Washington State. It was indeed an amazing hike. I started very early as I planned to return home in the late afternoon. I arrived at trailhead just before sunrise. Typically full parking lot looked pretty empty. It was 32F so it was a very refreshing morning. I’m glad I was prepared for colder morning. I knew that forecast called for sunny day so it was definitely going to be warmer later in the day. As I hiked alone through switchbacks I spotted a deer and marmot. The higher I got the better views were forming. With sun rising higher and higher trees started to present their fall colors. Beautiful golden larches guided me through open meadows and rocky passes all the way to the lake. I also passed by number of tarns with beautiful reflections of trees and mountains. I haven’t seen anyone on trail. When I got to the lake I realized I was there alone. I really liked it. I sat down for a moment and starred at the deep blue water of Lake Ingalls with Mt. Stuart shooting high in the sky. It was very relaxing. After quick lunch I took some pictures and recorded some videos. It took good two hours for some other hikers to show up. It was time to go as it was a long way down to the parking lot. I got to my car by 3 PM. I wish I could have stayed for sunrise, but there is always another time :) Pictures from early summer looked amazing so perhaps that’s a good time to return here again.