Ingalls Creek — Saturday, May. 2, 2026

Ingalls Creek is a charming little spring-time trail. I've been meaning to visit during larch season, but it makes just as well for an overnight in May. It's got all the obvious signs of spring: wildflowers, snakes, ticks, blowdowns... you name it.

Note: I don't recommend this trail in its current state if you're recovering from hip surgery or if hopping over blowdowns is challenging. This was my first overnight in Washington (and my second backpacking trip in general) since hip surgery in September, and it sure did test the joint.

Climbing downed trees became a chore after about 9 miles, so we backtracked and camped at one of the many plush campsites along the creek. There are especially spacious sites within the first 3 miles, plus at the junctions for Falls Creek and Cascade Creek. Ingalls Creek itself was singing to us the entire time. Great white noise to help sleep.

We only encountered a handful of other parties during our hike. I don't mind, because we saw some fun spring flora and fauna: calypso orchids, avalanche lilies, balsamroot, lupine, paintbrush, spring mushrooms, chickarees, a water ouzel, two rubber boas, two alligator lizards, two western racers and a rattlesnake.

I've lived and hiked in Washington for 7+ years and this was my first rattlesnake sighting. Also the first two alligator lizards and racers I've seen as well. It feels really odd to go years hiking in areas like this, not see any of these animals, then see them all along the river in spring. Awesome!

Less awesome — my partner and I both found ticks hitching a ride on us, so check yourself often. Also not awesome is the condition of the trailhead bathroom. Bring your own TP because it is blasted.

17.18 miles, 2,822 feet gained