Ingalls Creek Trail

Ingalls Creek trail by tigermn

Ingalls Creek trail, a 15.5 mile valley hike that begins in forest and takes you through a variety of terrain, including flowery meadows, is one of the classic treks in the Teanaway area. At the trailhead it takes no time at all to enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area and from there, various side trails intersect the Ingalls Creek trail and can be made into tremendous loop trips. Early June is the perfect time to visit Ingalls Creek with the first four or so miles of trail being lined with wildflowers, such as the brilliant paintbrush, glacier lily, trillium and dainty calypso orchid.

The trail begins at a low elevation of 1,953 feet and ascends gently, eventually reaching Stuart Pass at 6,420 feet, 15.5 miles later. Views improve with each step, including the rocky summits of the magnificent Stuart Range with the cliffs of its namesake, 9,415 foot Mt. Stuart (second-highest nonvolcanic peak in Washington state) towering above your head.

Campsites are sprinkled along the trail and more can be found along the various side trails. Right now, snow still lingers in the upper reaches of the valley. Most likely the intrepid hiker can have a snow-free hike to about the 5 mile mark. Others with a sense of adventure and solid navigational skills can tread further.

Directions: Drive US 97 to 12.5 miles north of Blewett Pass and turn left on Ingalls Creek road 7312. Drive about 1 mile to the road-end and trailhead.

Notes: A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking. For current trail information, contact the Wenatchee River Ranger District at (509) 548-2550.