Lake Ingalls, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Backpacking Guide

Lake Ingalls is a perfect weekend getaway in the jaw-dropping Alpine Lakes Wilderness. It is one of the most scenic landscapes in the Teanaway Valley of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The lake sits in a high alpine basin nestled beneath craggy peaks including Mount Stuart, one of the highest non-volcanic peaks in the state and the crown jewel of the Stuart Range. The cobalt blue lake contrasts against the surrounding red rock making the scenery pop. The trip consists of striking views of the Teanaway Valley, Ingalls Creek Valley, Stuart Range, Headlight Basin and even some of the state's tallest and most iconic peaks in the distance. In the spring and summertime wildflowers speckle the route and in the fall ripe huckleberries and orange larches await. The elusive larch trees, found only at certain elevations and latitudes, burst golden yellow for a few short weeks in the fall. The trip is 8.4 miles roundtrip with 2,870 feet of elevation gain. The route is moderate terrain, largely dirt path with the exception of a rocky scramble to reach the lake. This area is also well known for its large population of mountain goats - you are bound to meet some locals!