Lake Ingalls
A popular trek out into the wilderness to reach a rocky alpine lake.
Total Distance: 8.8 miles
Total Ascent: 2200ft (2100ft in; 100ft out)
Highest Point: 6500ft
Total Ascent: 2200ft (2100ft in; 100ft out)
Highest Point: 6500ft
From I-90 take Exit 85, following the signs to WA 970. Merge onto WA 970 and continue 6.5 miles to Teanaway Road. Take a left and continue 13.1 miles trading pavement for gravel to reach a split in the road just past 29 Pines Campground. Veer right onto FR 9737 following it 9.6 miles to the road end and the Esmerelda Trailhead. Note that there are additional forks that branch off FR 9737 that could cause confusion. Once on FR 9737 when in doubt, always veer left. Privy available. View Google Directions >>
The trail begins from the Esmarelda Basin Trailhead, the Esmerelda Trail #1394 following what remains of an old mining road up the hillside into the pines. Soon reach the Lake Ingalls Trail #1390 after a short 0.3 mile, turning right and uphill to begin the climb. The trail switchbacks up the mountainside climbing steadily for 1.2 miles through open country to the junction with the Longs Pass Trail #1229 at the 1.5-mile mark.
From the Longs Pass Junction continue straight ahead, beginning a long upward traverse toward Ignalls Pass reached at 3.1 miles.
Press onward into the Headlight Basin. The trail splits shortly after the pass, signed Ingalls Way Alternate #1390.2. The main path heading to the left and hugging the rim of the basin while #1390.2 veers slightly right is a more direct route to the lake, plunging down into the basin then climbing back out again. The first has more mileage, the other more elevation.
Dayhikers should keep left on the main trail, as it affords the best views. Press toward Ingalls Peak for an enjoyable mile-long tour of Headlight Basin, connecting with the alternate trail at a boulder field at 4.1 miles. It’s a short-but-tough scramble up to the lake from here.There's a lot more to Lake Ingalls, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
From the Longs Pass Junction continue straight ahead, beginning a long upward traverse toward Ignalls Pass reached at 3.1 miles.
Press onward into the Headlight Basin. The trail splits shortly after the pass, signed Ingalls Way Alternate #1390.2. The main path heading to the left and hugging the rim of the basin while #1390.2 veers slightly right is a more direct route to the lake, plunging down into the basin then climbing back out again. The first has more mileage, the other more elevation.
Dayhikers should keep left on the main trail, as it affords the best views. Press toward Ingalls Peak for an enjoyable mile-long tour of Headlight Basin, connecting with the alternate trail at a boulder field at 4.1 miles. It’s a short-but-tough scramble up to the lake from here.There's a lot more to Lake Ingalls, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
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