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Intro to Backpacking Field Trip - Lake Ingalls

Field trip: Introduction to Backpacking

Intro to Backpacking Field Trip - Lake Ingalls

Let’s go on a backpacking overnight to stunning Lake Ingalls, situated in the Alpine Lake Wilderness. Preference to Tacoma Introduction to Backpacking students. Trip will open to all Mountaineers to register on April 30.

Contacts

Vanessa Phillips
Vanessa Phillips
Primary Leader
  • Moderate
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 9.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,600 ft
  • Pace: 1.5 to 2 mph

Meet at the Lake Ingalls trailhead, also known as the Esmeralda trailhead, at 9:00 AM ready to go. This is about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Tacoma. Drivers to the trailhead will need a Northwest Forest Pass or an Interagency Annual Pass.

Preference to Tacoma Branch Introduction to Backpacking Students. Trip will open to all Mountaineers on April 30.

Day 1: We will be hiking up Ingalls Pass to Headlight Basin, where we will be setting up camp. Afterwards, we will make our way to gorgeous Lake Ingalls. After we enjoy the lake, we will head back to camp. This day is around 4.5 miles with around 2,500 feet ascent.

Day 2: Pack up camp and head back to the trailhead.

Please note that this is a strenuous backpacking trip with consistent gain. We will be hiking at a steady pace of about 1.5-2mph with some stops along the way. There are a few steep and rocky sections, especially closer to the lake.

More details will be emailed to the participants.

Route/Place

Lake Ingalls


  • Green Trails Alpine Lakes East (Stuart Range) No. 208SX
    Green Trails Mt Stuart No. 209
    USGS Mount Stuart
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

To be discussed at lecture for Introduction to Backpacking course students.

The Ten Essentials plus overnight gear which may include:

  • Tent with footprint/ground tarp
  • Stove and fuel
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Water filter
  • Bear canister or Ursack
  • Cooking pot/pan with plate and utensils
  • Toilet paper and shovel or blue bag to deal with waste
Trip Reports