96 Intrepid ES - Ticking noise

I have a 1996 Intrepid ES (3.5l engine) with 140,000 + miles on it. There's a ticking noise coming from the engine that accellerates as the engine is reved. When facing the engine, it seems that the ticking noise is coming from the left side of the engine, potentially from the valve cover.

Before I tear the valve cover off to investigate, any suggestions?