The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin in Washington State
Interested in Backpacking to Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness?
Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin are one of my favorite picks for a backpacking destination. Lake Ingalls is a stunning alpine lake located in the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington State, offering a challenging yet rewarding backpacking experience for outdoor enthusiasts. This gorgeous backpacking destination is a location I could happily go back to and visit every year. With its crystal clear blue-green water and the impressive view of Mount Stuart, the second tallest non-volcanic peak in Washington looming above Lake Ingalls, is impressive, to say the least.
The trail to Lake Ingalls features a variety of terrain with diverse landscapes, ranging from stunning mountain views, rocky ridgelines, and desertlike rock to lush alpine meadows, sparkling streams, a breathtakingly pristine vivid blue-green lake, and golden larches in the fall. Lake Ingalls has tons of wildlife from wild grouse, pika, marmots, and chipmunks, to herds of majestic mountain goats.
With its crystal-clear waters and pristine natural beauty, Lake Ingalls is a popular destination for overnight backpacking trips, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the wilderness and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. This hike can be a long day hike, a quick one-night overnighter backpacking destination, or a multiday backpacking destination if you want to set up basecamp and go off to summit other peaks or explore the surrounding area more.
Quick Facts.
Miles: 10 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
At an elevation of 6,500 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trail Type: Out-and-Back Trail
Seasons: Hikable usually July - October
Dogs: No dogs are allowed on this trail
Toilets: There is a Vault Toilet at the Trailhead and a open pit toilet in Headlight Basin
Average Time to Hike: 6-8 hours
Parking Permit: Required: Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass
Cell Phone Coverage: None (also no coverage along the forest service road to get there)
Trail Number: The trail starts at Esmeralda Trail #1394 and ends at Ingalls Creek Trail #1215
Trailhead: Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours 30 minutes
Getting to Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin
Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin are located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington State, near the town of Cle Elum. To reach the trailhead, take exit 80 off of I-90 and follow State Route 903 north for 3.6 miles to Salmon la Sac Road. Continue on Salmon la Sac Road for 15 miles until you reach the trailhead parking lot. More detailed driving directions are at the bottom of this blog post.
Parking:
Because of how stunningly beautiful this hike is, Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin in recent years have become immensely popular. Parking fills up extremely quickly and often by 9 AM the lot is full. Get here early! There is room for about 40 vehicles and there are other trails that share this trailhead.
Parking Passes to Hike to Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin
Be sure to obtain a National Parks Pass or a Northwest Forest Pass before you arrive to legally park your vehicle. Either pass works. Since Lake Ingalls is located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness a pass is required.
Shop National Parks Passes: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Shop Northwest Forest Passes: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r6/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fsbdev2_027010
Permits To Backpack and Camp at Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin in The Alpine Lakes Wilderness
To go backpacking and stay overnight at Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin you will need a backpacking permit. Overnight Backpacking Permits are free and located at the trailhead. When you arrive at the trailhead to hike to Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin there is a box filled with these free self-issue fill-out-yourself permits. You fill out your information, like party leader, how many nights where you expect you will camp night 1, night 2, night 3, and so on, how many people are in your party, and other information. You then peel off one part of the permit to leave in the Dropbox and you attach the other half to the back of your pack to keep on the hiking party leader at all times.
The Trail to Lake Ingalls
The trail is in good condition and has a very gradual incline spreading out the 2,500 feet of elevation gain over 5 miles. This makes a great backpacking destination for first-time backpackers or those who are newer to hiking. This 10-mile round-trip hike has absolutely stunning scenery and makes for a great day hike, a one-night getaway if you are short on time, or even a multi-day destination if you wish to spend more time exploring the surrounding area.
The Lake Ingalls trail, also known as the Ingalls Way Trail starts out sharing the same trailhead for Esmerelda Basin. The trail begins to climb through a beautiful forested valley with gorgeous wildflowers growing. You may have to dodge some large downed trees here. You can also hear Esmeralda Creek to your left as you hike.
At 0.4 miles into the trail, you’ll come across a junction marked Ingalls Way. Turn right at the sign. Continuing straight here will take you to Esmeralda Basin.
Climbing up the trail you will move away from Esmeralda Creek and do a few switchbacks up the hillside. The trail is well defined with open meadows between intermittent pines towering above. The forest, underbrush, and meadows are alive with wildlife. I saw many butterflies, chipmunks, and grouse when hiking this stretch of trail.
About a mile and a half in, you will come across another sign that points right to the Longs Pass trail. Continue going straight following the Ingalls Way Trail Number 1390.
After passing the junction for Longs Pass the trees become much more sparse and the trail begins to become much more exposed. The landscape switches from lush green to a more orange rocky landscape. You begin doing some long switch backs with wide-sweeping views of the surrounding mountain peaks.
At about three miles, you will reach Ingalls Pass. At the Pass, the landscape starts to become absolutely stunning with vast sweeping views of the gigantic Mount Stuart and the ragged top of Ingalls Peak.
After hitting Ingalls Pass the trail forks. You can pick either route to go to Lake Ingalls.
The Route To The Left Around Headlight Basin.
After Reaching the top of Ingalls Pass the trail to the Left is an easier-to-navigate trail that goes around Headlight Basin and stays at a higher elevation without dropping down into the valley below and climbing back up again to reach the Lake. This higher ridgeline overlooking Headlight Basin has some gorgeous camp spots for backpackers on exposed rocky terrain filled with large boulders and granite slabs, with scattered alpine larches. By some of the creeks, there are some alpine meadow areas on the ridgeline as well. The wide views from the ridgeline are absolutely incredible. You see Mount Stuart almost magnified in how large it appears looming over everything with the lush valley of Basin Below. These are some excellent camp spots for backpackers. They are a little bit more wind exposed than the campsites down below in Headlight Basin but there are definitely fewer mosquitos.
The Route To The Right Down into Headlight Basin.
From the top of Ingalls Pass, the trail to the right of the fork is a more direct route to Lake Ingalls but the terrain going down and then back up again to the lake can be a little rough. The trail to the right drops down into Headlight Basin which is filled with lush green alpine meadows and lots of established campsites for backpackers. If you are a backpacker wanting to spend the night in Headlight Basin there are tons of absolutely gorgeous campsites to choose from. The lush alpine meadow filled with wildflowers and sparkling creeks flowing with Mount Stuart towering above this pristine landscape makes Headlight Basin an excellent camping destination, that is only a few minutes walking distance from Lake Ingalls. The trail could be a little confusing in spots just look for cairns to keep you in the right direction.
After about 1/4 of a mile, these two trails merge back together before beginning the final climb to reach Lake Ingalls.
After the two trails merge during the late summer months you will climb up a short boulder field. In early Summer you might be climbing up a snow field to the lake.
Lake Ingalls
Lake Ingalls sits at an elevation of 6,466 feet and is absolutely gorgeous. The 9,415-foot tall Mout Stuart looms over the lake to the northeast while the craggy cliff of 7,662-foot tall Ingalls Peak overlooks the lake to the west. There are plenty of giant boulders around the lake to enjoy a well-deserved lunch or snack break while taking in the stunning views. You can often see mountain goats here.
Camping at The Ridgeline above Headlight Basin or In Headlight Basin Before Lake Ingalls
As of 2008, camping is no longer allowed at the lake and tents must stay 1/2 mile away. But before Lake Ingalls in Headlight Basin and the ridgeline above Headlight Basin, there are lots of fantastic camping spots for backpackers. There are some areas with signs that say "Closed for Restoration" Make sure you do not camp in these areas. There are plenty of other spots around. Also, note there are no campfires allowed at this elevation.
Open Air Wilderness Pit Toilet
For backpackers camping the night, there is an open-air pit toilet available. This wilderness pit toilet has no walls or ceiling but it does have one amazing view. There is a sign on the trail with an arrow pointing to it. Make sure you bring your own toilet paper.
Swimming At Lake Ingalls
During the summer months, you can swim in the lake but the lake is absolutely ice-cold. If you are good with doing a polar plunge into freezing water, Lake Ingalls makes a great swimming hole. I was only able to swim for a few minutes before getting out but after a long hike, I definitely felt refreshed from the cold water.
Fishing At Lake Ingalls
You can fish at Lake Ingalls! When at lake Ingalls I saw tons of fish swimming around. The lake is filled with Cutthroat trout, Golden trout, and Rainbow trout. If you would like to learn more about fishing in high alpine lakes check out the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife’s High Lakes web page.
Prepare for the Weather:
Lake Ingalls is a very exposed hike where there are very few trees. For most of the duration of the trek, you will be in direct sunlight with no tree coverage. The first time I went backpacking to Lake Ingalls it was 105 degrees out, you could almost visibly see the waves of heat radiating off the ground. I did not prepare appropriately for hiking in 105-degree weather and got a bad sunburn. Wear your sunscreen folks! Luckily my hydro pack had 3 liters of water because I drank every drop.
One year later I returned to Lake Ingalls around the same time in July and it was absolutely freezing. The entire group I went backpacking with went to bed early instead of staying outside of the tent to hang out. The sun had a few hours till sunset, yet everyone wanted to retire for the night to escape the freezing temperatures and the fierce wind that was whipping through. I was amazed that on the same exact week in a different year, the temperatures could be so drastically different. This trip just reaffirmed that in the mountains you need to come prepared for all weather conditions.
Goats, Goats, and More Goats:
If you have never seen a mountain goat and want to see one, this is the place to go! Mountain goats are at Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin in abundance! They will be wandering in your camp, keeping you up during the night, and curiously watching you cook your breakfast or dinner. Make sure you pee far away from your campsite. Mountain Goats love salt and are attracted to spots where hikers have urinated to lick the ground and rocks to get much-needed salt and minerals. They will also try to lick your backpack, socks, shirt, and other gear to get the salt from your sweat. Try not to let them do this. Although they may appear docile and tame, it is good to remember that these goats are wild animals.
The mountain goats standing majestically overlooking a cliff or even just meandering through your camp definitely add to the wild beauty of this place.
Are Dogs Allowed at Lake Ingalls?
No, dogs are not allowed at Lake Ingalls. They are permitted the first 0.4 miles of the trail but after 0.4 miles after the Esmeralda Basin junction, dogs are not allowed on Ingalls Pass, Longs Pass, Headlight Basin, or Lake Ingalls. This is not a hike for 4 legged friends.
Favorite Before Hike Eats:
The Sunset Cafe in Cle Elum, Washington
If you are looking to fill up on some delicious food before backpacking to Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin The Sunset Café in Cle Elum WA is my favorite go-to spot. They specialize in homemade family recipes using fresh local ingredients and their food definitely reflects that. They have thick slices of ham and delicious thick light and airy homemade bread with different mouth-watering berry jams depending on the season. I've had blackberry jam and their strawberry jam both were absolutely delicious. I love their number 1 breakfast with ham, eggs, hashbrowns, and a slice of toast while my brother and dad and hiking friends love their eggs benedict, the big country biscuits and gravy, big fluffy pancakes, and the Denver omelet. Everything on the menu looks amazing. They give large portions that are perfect for hikers wanting to fuel up on calories before hitting the trail. The Sunset Cafe opens at 6 am and the restaurant is an hour and 5 min from the trailhead. I think after leaving we made it to the trailhead around 8:15ish.
Address: 318 E 1st St, Cle Elum, WA 98922
Trail Number: The trail starts at Esmeralda Trail #1394 and ends at Ingalls Creek Trail #1215
Trailhead: Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
Co-ordinates: 47.4367, -120.9372
Driving Directions:
Heading East on I-90 turn off onto Exit 85. Go on the overpass and make a right onto Highway 970. You will be on 970 for 7 miles before turning left onto Teanaway Road. After 7.1 miles on Teanaway road heading right the road becomes North Fork Teanaway Road. After another 5.9 miles the road will start to get a bit rough and is unpaved. Take the right at the fork onto Forest Road 9737. You will drive for 1.1 miles and keep left at the fork that has Beverly Campground. You will keep driving for another 6.7 miles and keep to the right at a fork with a sign for 'Trail 1394'. Keep driving another 1.7 miles until you reach the trailhead at Esmeralda basin/Ingalls Lake Trailhead.
Make sure you are good on gas. It is 22.5 miles to the Esmeralda Basin/Ingalls Lake trailhead from Highway 970.
Other Hikes You May Be Interested In:
Tolmie Peak Fire Tower Trail in Mount Rainier National Park
The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking to Lake Angeles in Olympic National Park
The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin in Washington State
High Rock Lookout – Hiking in Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Backpacking Upper Lena Lake – Olympic National Park
Milk Lake: Beautiful Hidden Gem in Olympic National Park
How to Successfully Do A Sunrise Hike Up Mt. Townsend
The Ultimate Guide To Hiking Mailbox Peak
Marymere Falls – Easy Hike in Olympic National Park
Franklin Falls Easy Beautiful Winter Hike Near Seattle
Narada Falls (Paradise Mt. Rainier Hikes)
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