Location and surroundings
Ingalls Peak lies in the Teanaway Area of the Wenatchee Mountains, inside the Cascade Range and the wider Pacific Coast Ranges of the North American Cordillera. It is in Chelan County, Washington, in the United States. At 2,335 m, it is the highest of 52 named peaks in the Teanaway Area, which is also the high point of that range unit. The terrain around it is alpine and rocky, with steep ridges, glacially carved valleys and open slopes above the forest.
Neighbouring peaks
- South Ingalls Peak — 2,329 m, 0.4 km SW
- Mount Stuart — 2,871 m, 3.3 km E
- Esmeralda Peaks — 2,062 m, 3.9 km SW
- Gallaher Head — 1,965 m, 4.1 km SW
- Sherpa Peak — 2,584 m, 4.3 km E
- Hawkins Mountain — 2,166 m, 4.8 km SW
- Huckleberry Mountain — 1,727 m, 6.4 km W
- Argonaut Peak — 2,577 m, 6.4 km E
The closest summit is South Ingalls Peak, only a short distance away to the southwest. The nearest higher peak is Mount Stuart, which rises 538 m higher and dominates the skyline to the east.
The view from the summit
From Ingalls Peak, the highest nearby summits within 25 km include several major Cascade peaks. To the east are Dragontail Peak (2,695 m, 8.6 km), Cannon Mountain (2,637 m, 11.3 km), McClellan Peak (2,549 m, 12.1 km), Cashmere Mountain (2,595 m, 12.2 km NE), The Temple (2,527 m, 13.4 km E) and Pennant Peak (2,463 m, 9.9 km E). These peaks show how quickly the terrain rises into the higher Stuart Range and adjacent Alpine Lakes country.
The range
Ingalls Peak belongs to the Teanaway Area, which is the high point of its range unit. The Teanaway Area contains 52 named peaks, and Ingalls Peak ranks first by elevation among them. In the broader hierarchy it sits in the Wenatchee Mountains, then the Cascade Range, then the Pacific Coast Ranges of the North American Cordillera. Within this local range setting, it is the top summit, even though larger mountains such as Mount Stuart lie nearby.
Climbing routes
Ingalls Peak is a known alpine scrambling and climbing objective because the rock is generally sound and access is relatively straightforward. The North Peak is the highest summit; its easier routes include the Southwest Face and East Ridge, both class 4. The South Ridge is a class 5.4 route, and the Southeast Face was first climbed in 1956. The South Peak is the easiest ascent at class 3, while the East Peak is the hardest, with routes starting at minimum class 5.
Access and starting points
Leavenworth is the usual starting town for trips into this part of the Cascades. The mountain is reached from the Ingalls Creek and Longs Pass side for the West Ridge style approach mentioned in local use, and the area lies on land managed by Wenatchee National Forest. Approaches here are typically long alpine days on trails, talus and rock, with route-finding and seasonal snow affecting the final climb.
Climate and weather
These are estimates from NASA POWER climate data adjusted to summit elevation. The warmest month at the summit is July, at about 6 °C, and the coldest is December, at about -8 °C. Mean temperatures are above freezing at the summit in June, July, August and September. Around the mountain, annual precipitation is about 1,750 mm; January is the wettest month at about 260 mm, and July the driest at about 30 mm. Expect snow, rapid weather changes and summer thunderstorms.
Best time to visit
For Ingalls Peak, the most practical season is usually the summer window when the summit temperatures are above freezing and the snowpack is lower. Based on the climate figures, that means June through September, with the most settled conditions often in mid to late summer. Earlier in the season, snow and lingering cornices can make the routes more serious; later in autumn, colder nights and early storms return quickly to the high Cascades.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain sits in a rugged alpine setting with exposed rock, scree, subalpine forest lower down and patches of snow that can linger into summer. In the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, glacial valleys, granite walls and scattered lakes shape the scenery. Typical wildlife in this part of Washington includes mountain goats, deer, marmots, pikas and birds of prey, while lower slopes may carry fir, pine and heather-like alpine plants. The open ridges are exposed, so weather and sun can change conditions quickly.
Guides and organised ascents
For a climb like Ingalls Peak, a certified guide is useful if you are not comfortable with exposed scrambling, class 4 terrain or route-finding on alpine rock. In the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member, and the national alpine club is the American Alpine Club. Established guiding companies in the country include RMI Expeditions in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides in Moose, Wyoming. Some peaks in the United States require permits or climbing registration depending on the land agency.
Safety and preparation
Ingalls Peak demands fitness, sure-footed movement and comfort on steep rock. Even the easier routes involve alpine exposure, loose sections in places and weather that can change fast. Carry layers, helmet, traction if conditions call for it, and enough food and water for a long day. In the United States, the emergency number for mountain rescue is 911; dispatchers alert the local search and rescue team, usually through the county sheriff or a national park system.
History and name
The peak, lake, creek and pass are named for Captain Benjamin Ingalls of the United States Cavalry, who led an 1855 survey of the area and is credited with discovering gold in the region. The first ascent of the mountain’s North Peak was made in 1925 by a party of The Mountaineers. Later climbs established the South Ridge in 1941 and the East Peak in 1952, adding to its long history as a Washington alpine objective.
Interesting facts
Ingalls Peak is the highest of 52 named peaks in the Teanaway Area, and the area itself is the high point of its range unit. The nearest higher peak is Mount Stuart, 3.3 km to the east. The mountain is also part of a borderland landscape in the Alpine Lakes region, lying along the common border of Chelan County and Kittitas County. Its triple-summit form and close neighbours make it a compact but varied alpine climbing area.
FAQ
How high is Ingalls Peak? It rises to 2,335 m in Washington state.
Where is Ingalls Peak? It is in Chelan County, Washington, in the Teanaway Area of the Wenatchee Mountains, within the Cascade Range of the United States.
Is Ingalls Peak the highest mountain in its area? Yes. It is the highest mountain in the Teanaway Area and the highest of its 52 named peaks.
What is the nearest higher peak? Mount Stuart, 2,871 m high, lies 3.3 km to the east.
Is there water on the way to Ingalls Peak? The mountain drains toward Jack Creek, Fortune Creek and Ingalls Creek, but the ridges and upper slopes are dry. Carry about 1.5-3 litres for a day, more in hot weather, and treat any snowmelt or stream water before drinking.
How long does it take to climb Ingalls Peak? A common outing is a long day, roughly 6-10 hours round trip depending on route, conditions and starting point, often from the Leavenworth area.
Will my phone work there? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and you should download maps before setting out.