Lake Ingalls — Saturday, Sep. 11, 2004

Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway

Trail is clear of snow and mud. (Well, you jump over a little mud in spots.) Parking lot was full and many eager hikers were on the trail. Wear good boots for balancing on the rocky trail. Watch the cairns closely when you get into the rocky places where you might loose the trail. Bring your map (Mt. Stuart quad). I enjoyed the lively hillside with many marmots, pikas, and bluebirds better than the actual Ingalls Lake. Many would prefer lunching by the cute waterfalls on the way instead of the rather barren lake at the end. It's also windier there. The weather Sunday changed by the minute: overcast, sunny, whisper-light, cold raindrops then sun again. At least a little windy most of the day. Huckleberry bushes were completely bare. I didn't even see rotten berries evidencing any berries which were out earlier! Wildflowers are well past their primes and leaves are withering. Curiously wine maple and larches have not turned yet, so you've still got that to look forward to. There are many little squirrels, chipmonks, bluebirds, pikas, and corpulent marmots. The red hillsides stand out well in contrast to the moody, misty clouds which swirl about. This whole business of hiking has become rather city-like... The road to the trailhead and the parking lot are in great shape. Follow a well-maintained and signed road, park in a perfectly graded lot, pee in a new fancy toilet, purchase your trail pass and complete wilderness permit form, chat with other hikers every 10 minutes or so, and be sure and take the list of wilderness rules and regulations which are provided for you at the trailhead.