Distance
9.0 miles roundtrip
Trail Guide
Lake Ingalls Trail
9.0 mi roundtrip · 2,600 ft gain · Moderate · Lake Ingalls
Trail Stats
Elevation Gain
2,600 ft
Highest Point
6,500 ft
Trailhead Elevation
4,200 ft
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Type
Out And Back
Features
Alpine lake
Larch trees (fall color)
Mount Stuart views
Technical Notes
Beautiful alpine lake with stunning fall larch color (late September to mid-October). Views of Mount Stuart's north face. Trail passes through Esmeralda Basin with wildflower meadows. Some rocky sections on the final approach. Extremely popular during larch season — expect crowds and arrive very early.
Getting There
Trailhead
Esmeralda Basin / Ingalls Trailhead
FR-9737 (Teanaway Rd), Cle Elum, WA
Parking: ~30 spaces
From Seattle
100 mi · 135 min drive
I-90 East to Exit 85 (Cle Elum). Follow SR-970 to Teanaway Rd North Fork. Continue on FR-9737 to the trailhead. Last 10 miles is gravel. ~2.25 hours from Seattle.
Planning Details
Best Season
July through October
Dogs Allowed
Yes
Required Pass
Northwest Forest Pass
Annual: $30.00 · Day: $5.00
Mountain
Lake Ingalls · 6,500 ft · Teanaway
Avalanche Forecast
Check current avalanche conditions for the Lake Ingalls zone before your trip.
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