The trail to Lake Ingalls is known for its beauty and its larches - alpine needle-bearing trees that turn bright yellow once the first snows hit. We headed there just as the snowy season began in the hopes of getting good views of snowy mountaintops as a backdrop for beautifully colored larches along the path. It wasn't an easy hike, but I would not rate it too difficult either; most of the problems I had, as you will see, were due to the weather!
The wind left dynamic patterns in the pristine snow as it passed
The trail first winds its way up to a ridge overlooking Mount Stuart, then follows a basin filled with larches, and finally climbs again to where the lake is nestled between some craggy peaks.
A strong wind picked up halfway up to the ridge, blowing loose snow across the trail and into our faces. I was pretty well covered with a buff and a broad-rimmed hat, but I had to lean into the wind and in some cases let it pass before moving on. It left dynamic patterns in the pristine snow as it passed, and I felt bad walking across it.
Snow was in the air as we caught a glimpse of our first larches
We reached the top of the ridge and finally saw larches. The snow had reached there first, though, leaving the leaves to shimmer in the midday sun from thousands of tiny crystals. It was noon and my stomach rumbled, but we weren't at the lake just yet. A quick snack of nuts and dried fruit would have to do for the time being. I tightened my belt and moved on, keeping my hands in my pockets for warmth.
Snow had reached the larches before we did
I glanced around only a few steps further along the path - the view here was fantastic. The ridge sloped down into a small forest of larches below us, and beyond that rose Stuart Peak, partly shrouded by quick-moving clouds. I could just imagine the sort of blizzard I would find myself in were I to be standing near its summit and shivered. It was time to move on - walking would keep me warm and get me to our lunch spot sooner.
Stuart Peak rises sharply from the bottom of the valley
The trail wound its way around the ridge and across a small meadow with streams crisscrossing through, though they were mostly covered with snow and only peeked out every now and then. This would also have been a good place for a picnic, but we had bigger plans and could not stop yet.
I tried taking my hands out of my pockets for a bit to take some pictures but that didn't last very long. The wind was still pretty strong and I soon found myself shivering again. I definitely should have worn my thick gloves. I bet they were nice and cozy, sitting at home like that. They won't get away with it next time, I can assure you.
The path to the lake was less-traveled and snowy
The path to the lake was less well-traveled, and we found ourselves sliding on snow or stepping in ankle-deep mud on a few occasions. As usual, water got in my boots. Let me tell you, this was not the best time for that to happen - my toes felt like little ice cubes as I trudged through the snow. But then I would not be me if I did not end up with soggy socks at the end of a hike.
Stuart Peak pops out from behind the lake, photo credit - Hannah Grose
The lake was quiet and beautiful, as advertised, but of course, I started to feel cold as soon as I stopped moving. We found a somewhat less windy spot underneath some large rocks by the shore and crammed our sandwiches down our throats. When we couldn't take the cold any longer we packed up and headed back the way we came.
I named this tree "Bartholomew" and made it my friend since it seemed lonely
This was a great hike for seeing the larches up close, though you need to be prepared for the weather this time of year. I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed the trip despite my ramblings here, and fully intend to see the lake again next year!
