Ingalls Creek
Central CascadesBest May–Oct
A long, gentle valley trail following a thundering creek beneath the granite walls of the Stuart Range.
About This Trail
Ingalls Creek runs along the base of the Stuart Range for over 14 miles one way, making it one of the longest approach valleys on the east side of the Cascades. The grade is gentle for the first several miles, following the creek through big ponderosa pines and open forest with views up to granite ridgelines. Wildflowers fill the meadow openings in late spring and early summer, and elk sometimes browse in the lower valley.
The creek itself is the constant companion. It roars with snowmelt in spring and settles into something calmer by late summer. Riverside campsites appear regularly along the trail, making this a natural choice for relaxed overnight trips where you set camp early and just enjoy the valley. The further you go, the more rugged and remote it feels, with boulder fields and cliff bands rising above the trail.
This is also the approach for multiple Stuart Range objectives, connecting to routes up toward Ingalls Lake, Longs Pass, and the Enchantments via various side trails. Those connector trails get steep and brushy fast. The main valley trail, though, stays manageable for strong hikers and backpackers. December 2025 floods caused significant washouts and blowdowns in the lower miles, so expect route-finding challenges and check recent trip reports before heading in. The log crossing at Falls Creek is particularly hazardous during high water and should only be attempted in late summer.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“The December floods wiped out the site at around 3 miles, and blowdowns and snow became more of an issue as we pushed on past the washed out site we had planned on staying at.”
Last report: Apr 18, 2026
Scorecard
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazards
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
- Washed Out
- Trees Down
Persistent Hazards
- Falls Creek crossing extremely dangerous during spring runoff
- Flood damage and blowdowns from December 2025 storms
- Trail overgrown in sections beyond first few miles
- Cool valley breezes - carry extra layers
Getting There
Trailhead at the end of Ingalls Creek Road off Highway 97 between Blewett Pass and Leavenworth. Northwest Forest Pass required. Toilet at trailhead. Road is paved to the trailhead.
Trail follows Ingalls Creek on a gradual grade for most of its length. The first few miles are the most traveled and easiest. Falls Creek crossing at roughly 5 miles is dangerous during spring runoff. Beyond that, the trail gets more overgrown and rougher. Multiple side trail junctions branch off toward Stuart Range objectives. Point-to-point options exist but require a shuttle.
For day hiking, start early and pick a turnaround point. Most day hikers go 3-6 miles in and return. For backpacking, the riverside camps at 2-3 miles make great first-night spots. Late spring offers peak wildflowers but also peak creek levels.
Recent Reports
I hiked Ingalls Creek 11. 5 miles in.
Took my two best friends and their golden retriever for an overnight trip about 3 miles up Ingalls Creek Trail. The December floods wiped out the site at around 3 miles, and blowdowns and snow became more of an issue as we pushed on past the washed out site we had planned on staying at.
Inspired by a single 2018 NW hikers trip report and armed with a Stuart zone permit I set off on a slightly more sane 3 day trip circumnavigating Mt Stuart from Esmeralda TH via Mountaineer Ridge and Crystal creek. Day 1 Starting at 3pm was not great, so I was rushing up to and past lake Ingalls.
Similar Hikes
