Length: 8.5 miles round trip
Elevation Change: 2857' gain
Season: Summer thru fall
Difficulty: Difficult
Permit: NW Forest Pass Required
Latitude: 47.4376
Longitude: -120.9368
Features:
This is one of the most popular hikes in this part of the middle
Cascade Range. It is a bit of a drive to the trailhead, but it
is one of the most magnificent hikes you will ever experience.
The trailhead is actually the starting point to several outstanding
hikes and climbs. In a short distance there is a junction
which provides a trail to the Emerald Basin. Bear right at
this point and continue to climb to the next junction, which
is the trail to Longs Pass and various Mt. Stuart climbing routes.
As you continue straight ahead, the trail continues to climb
and bring you to Ingalls Pass. It is at this point that you
finally get to view the spectacular Mt. Stuart. There are two
options at this point to reach Ingalls Lake, but the best and
most common route is on the left.
As you get closer to Lake Ingalls, the likelihood of seeing
mountain goats improves greatly.
The last quarter mile of the hike to Lake Ingalls is quite
complicated. There are several user trails and the main
trail is not very discernible.
As you hike over the rocky crest, you are treated to
breathtaking views of Lake Ingalls and soon Mt. Stuart.
Looking south towards Mt Rainier from the Lake Ingalls trail
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