Lake Ingalls — Saturday, Jul. 18, 2009

Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway

July 18, 2009: Lake Ingalls If you had one hike to do, from all of Washington, which would it be? Let’s see now: it has to be one I’ve done before...it has to include an alpine lake...and the views must be top-notch… Two hikes answered my question. I picked the easier one first: Lake Ingalls, one I’d visited twice before, the last time 5 years ago, in full larch splendor. The Teanaway is one of the most colorful places in the Cascades. Smooth rock slabs, in various shades of red or yellow, precious flowers interjecting some warmth to the ruggedness, aesthetic peaks and soaring views. The jewel in the crown, for me, is Lake Ingalls. Nestling under the stern crags of Ingalls Peak, protected by sheets of silky smooth rock, this alpine wonder is a gorgeous spot to feast one’s eyes on the magnificence of Mount Stuart. A relatively late start had me hiking from the trailhead by 11:00am. The parking lot was overflowing, so I prepared to be pleasant. “Hello”s, “Hi there”s and other pleasantaries kept me occupied and entertained, when I wasn’t gawking at the jagged picket line of the Esmeralda Peaks, across the valley. Lots of flowers, red rocks and open green forest made for a tastefully colorful display. Enjoying every minute of it I reached Ingalls Pass, took a photo of 2 other gawkers and then feasted my eyes on Mount Stuart. One view I’ll never tire of! Eventually, having satisfied my hunger, I dropped down into lush green Headlight basin; a peaceful scenic space, full of burbling snow-melt streams and soft green larches. I meandered my way through this fairyland, floated over a few rock steps and was finally ready to pay my respects to one of my all-time favorite spots. Additional photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shahiddurrani/sets/72157621785416430