PTGal, The Cajun and I hiked Ingalls Lake Trail today. This trail is at the end of the Teanaway Road, east and north of Cle Elum, WA. Oh my, what a glorious day!

My friends and I agree that there is nothing better than leaving early for the trailhead, hiking uphill in the cool of the morning, and then hiking down in the warmth of the afternoon, full of memories.

There are photos in existence of Scout's and Cajun's attempts to skinnydip this excruciatingly cold lake, but those remain locked in a secret government vault. Or maybe they're just on someone else's camera. Either way, you don't get to see them.

Stats:
Region: Washington Cascades
Location: northwest of Cle Elum in Wenatchee National Forest

Length: 10.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 2700 in (probably 500 feet out; this stat is not given in the trail report)
Overall rating: 9
Seasonal information: This trail is accessible July-October.

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Six o'clock AM, at the Cove:



The beginning of the trail. It had rained recently, and there was no dust. A blessing:



General scenery in this area:



On the trail:



We're heading to the cleft to the right of the red patch:



The trail hangs in the hillside for a bit, but I've gotten over (most of) my fears of falling:



The tiniest little blueberry bush, with fruits about 4mm wide:



A spring coming out of the hillside:



The Cajun, with the valley floor in the distance (we came from below the patch of snow you see near the bottom left):



Funky signs:



Coming over the crest into Headlight Basin:



Mount Stuart:



Incredibly clear streams cross the basin:



The stream in context:



Someone had a romantic streak. Lucky David, whoever he is:



Headlight Basin, full on:



Ingalls Lake, part of it:



Lake, farther left:



Lake, farthest left:



A larch grove in Headlight Basin, on the way back down (famous, and much photographed, I hear):

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A sublime day was had by all.