Alpine areas are typically found in the higher mountains at about 6,000 feet of elevation, and are usually free of snow beginning in mid-July.

From then to late September is the prime time to visit these areas in the Pacific Northwest. Given the short window of time, it’s important to plan ahead for the “best” alpine hikes.

On the bucket list of great alpine hikes in the Pacific Northwest, Ingalls Lake is a jewel.

A deep blue, ice cold tarn in a glacier-scrubbed, polished brown rock basin below the red-slab cliffs of 7,700-foot Ingalls Peak. And, looming over the lake are the white granite walls of 9,500-foot Mt. Stuart.

It’s always a place of memories. The old cowboy summitted Mt. Stuart in the late 1930’s.

I’ve hiked, hunted and fished in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness many times, beginning as a kid.

But of all the destinations, Ingalls Lake is the best.

Mt. Stuart behind Ingalls Lake

Hoary Marmot

Mt. Rainier

Mountain Goat

Hikers on last stretch to Ingalls Lake

Bluebell

Ingalls Peak