Ingalls Creek — Friday, Jun. 27, 2008

Central Cascades > Blewett Pass

This loop from WA-97 up Ingalls Creek and Crystal Creek is one that I've long wanted to do. Naturally getting into the Enchantments is always spectacular, but I also wanted to do some reconnaisance work. Crystal Creek is lined by numerous towers and obscure peaks with little or no climbing activity. The Flagpole and Pennant Peak are two that I've long sought to climb. Freb Beckey states that the ascent of these two, from the creek, can take 7-16 hours. A daunting proposition to say the least. But we are here to talk about trails! The Ingalls Creek trail is in excellent condition as far as the Crystal Creek drainage at 7 1/2 miles. About a mile before this there is one area of washout that requires a bit of route finding. Simply stay straight at the washout and the trail will reappear in 80 meters. Connecting the Ingalls and Snow Creek Trails is not that big of a deal. A faint climbers trails runs up slope from the intersection of trial and creek. It is hard to follow and probably more trouble than it is worth. The terrain is steep but with little underbrush to slow the way. Rock outcrops and cliffs must be avoided. There are several nice small meadows/shelves to make camp in to break it up. About 2000' off Ingalls Creek the boulder field starts to level off in a prisitine mountain cirque. McClellan, Crystal Creek Tower and the Nightmare Needles are on the right and Little Anapurna with it's southern ridge of the Flagpole Needles on your left. The cirque is virtually untouched by hikers. No trails, just beautiful waterfalls a few Tamaracks and rock! One ascends the obvious gully to Crystal Lake and the Enchantments proper. Another half hour cross country (all snow right now, please stay on rock, snow or exisiting trails once it melts out) to Lake Vivian and the Snow Creek/Enchantments Trail. The hike out was note worthy in that I only saw two groups of hikers (on a weekend!) lucky for them! The trail is completely snow covered from Lake Vivian on up. Below that it is mostly snow free on the descent of Trauma Ridge then turns back to snow until you reach Snow Lake. There are several areas of landslide but nothing too difficult to negotiate. Total mileage was about 22 miles with 4200' in gain.