Thursday, September 10, 2015

Lake Ingalls-an iconic Alpine Lakes hike

Time for an hike on the east side.
Lake Ingalls
The hike begins at this trail head, elevation 4243 feet


First view of Esmeralda Peaks

The trail is pretty right from the beginning

No berries on these bushes, but plenty of color
More color

Looking south as the trail ascends


Getting higher and looking down on the Esmeralda Peaks on the right



Mt. Adams in the far distance


Mt. Rainier with the Esmeralda Peaks in the foreground

Mt. Stuart from Ingalls Pass, elevation 6500 feet


Coming around the far side of the pass, we foolishly thought the lake was near



A pretty little alpine stream even without flowers in bloom

Some alpine larches

The trail somehow traverses this high rocky area



We had to climb this rock wall to get to the lake

Finally, the first peek of the lake




Mt. Stuart looms


A view from the shore


Ingalls Peak

One last shot before starting our return trip

the "trail"


Keith standing on another part of the "trail"

Fall color, northwest style
So pretty that it seems magical
Beauty in the rocks

One of the many cairns marking the trail

Returning through the rocks and larches with Mt Stuart in the background

A larch just starting to light up

More larches

One last shot of color on the way out. 


 This was supposed to have been nine miles round trip but it took us six and half hours to do the hike.
 Elevation gain:  2600 feet in, 600 feet out.
 Pure bliss.

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