| Ingalls Peak Ingalls Peak - North Peak, South Ridge Elevation 7662'
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington
June 5, 2004 In what was becoming the theme for the spring, Haydar and I thought we could escape the rain by driving towards the east. At first, it looked like our scheme had worked. We pulled into the trailhead parking lot under clear starry skies, set up our tent next to the car, and went to sleep. Of course, we woke up in the morning to the sound of raindrops on the tent - foiled again! The rain was short-lived, so after a brief snooze we got up, packed our things, and started up the trail. 
Starting out on the trail under cloudy skies - Esmerelda Peak in the background.
By the time we made it to Ingalls Pass, we were surrounded by clouds and fog. Although we couldn't see the top of any of the peaks, we found Ingalls Lake (still covered in snow) and began heading up the gully to the saddle between the north and south peaks. 
Where is the mountain?
By the time we made it to the saddle, I was really looking forward to climbing some rock. The route was very clear - a nice wide crack heading towards the summit. Unfortunately, it was now getting windy, and alternating between rain, freezing rain, and snow. The rock was getting wet and we decided to wait it out a bit, along with a group of Mountaineers finishing their basic climb school. Eventually the rain let up a bit although the fog was still thick, so we gave the route a try. 
Leading the second pitch in the blowing rain and snow (Photo by H. Kutuk).
The climbing was fun but my fingers and toes were freezing, and the wind was blowing snow in my face. We climbed it as quickly as we could, passing up the other group and eventually making our way to the windy summit.   Freezing at the summit!
As luck would have it, just as we were coming down from the summit, the sky cleared and the sun actually came out for a brief instant. At least we were able to finally get a view of the mountain we had climbed, as well as the approach route from Ingalls Pass. 
Haydar at the top of the last rappel. There is a group of Mountaineers above, beginning the last pitch of the climb.
The view from the base of the climb, back towards Ingalls Pass.
Admiring the view of Mt. Stuart as the clouds cleared for a moment.
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