2008.10.12. Ingalls Lake #1930. Beautiful alpine lake set in the midst of boulders at the foot of Mt Stuart. Larch turning bright yellow around Ingalls pass.
9 miles RT, elevation gain 2600 feet. Shortly after trail head, take the right fork for Ingalls Way Trail #1930. At mile 2, take the left fork, zigzag for about 1 mile to Ingalls Pass. It stays relatively flat for awhile. Huckleberries, heathers and larch trees surrounded by rocky slopes, which seemingly coated with powder sugar. Great camping sites. Muddy and a bit slippery due to recent snow. In summer, wild flowers (especially shooting stars) are said to cover this area. After a slight descent, and then a short scramble up, reach the rocky shore of the beautiful icy Ingalls Lake.
On the way back, saw two fluffy goats on the wall on the opposite side of the valley (thanks to two fellow hikers' tip), and many deers with white butt in the farm lands along Teenaway Rd. A lot of hunters camped right by this road, one group caught a deer, hanging on a wooden frame.
Logistics: 2.5 hrs' drive from Seattle. I-90 exit 85 - Hwy 970 north. After crossing the Teanaway River, left on Teanaway Road. Veer right as it becomes the North Fork Teanaway Road. It becomes a gravel road (FR 9737) at the 29 Pines Campground. 10 miles to its end. (23 miles from Highway 970). Park at Esmeralda Basin Trail 1394.