Attractions: An easily accessed hike right out the backdoor of Leavenworth with excellent views down on the Wenatchee River, Icicle Creek, and (as you get higher) the Tumwater Canyon. This is a particularly pretty hike in spring when the flowers are blooming and fall when the ground vegetation turns red and gold. The route logs a lot of elevation, but the trail is well graded and well maintained.
Maps: View our topo map below for more information (8.5’x11” landscape).
Note: use ‘Print Preview’ before printing to properly scale this map to a full sheet of paper.
Activity: Hiking, Trail Running
Nearest Town: Leavenworth
Skill Level: 2 — Technically an easy hike, but physically demanding.
Fitness Level: 3
Access: At the west end of Leavenworth, turn south onto Icicle Road. Continue for 1.4 miles before turning right at the sign for Icicle Ridge Trail (opposite Shore Street). Take an immediate left and you will see a parking area on the right (el 1,180′).
Trip Instructions:
–The trail climbs two miles up to a flat spot on the ridge before moving on (first up steep ground until you reach an elevation of 5,200 feet, 6 miles in) and then along a broader, gentler ridge until you reach the ridge’s high point just past an intersection with the trail down Fourth of July Creek (7,029 feet, 9 miles in).
–Return the way you came or take Fourth of July Creek back down to hit the Icicle Creek Road. Leave a car at the bottom of Fourth of July Creek because you’re likely to be thrashed by the 6,000 vertical foot gain and loss. See our Fourth of July Creek entry if you do this thru-hike.
–Consider doing this hike as a backpack–once you get up high, it’s nice to stay up. Water is an issue–especially in mid and late summer. Carry extra water and pay attention to the different sources as you climb.
Fees/Permits: Northwest Forest Pass needed to park at the trailhead.
Additional Information: Click here to read the report prepared by the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce. This link will tell you how to find the trailhead and get started up the first two miles of trail.
Leave It Better Than You Found It. This should be every outdoor user’s goal. Pick up trash left by others, pull some noxious weeds along your route, throw branches over unwanted spur trails, don’t ride or walk wet trails when you’re leaving ruts/footprints deeper than ¼ inch…
Disclaimer. Treat this information as recommendations, not gospel. Conditions change, and those contributing these reports are volunteers–they may make mistakes or may not know all the issues affecting a route.You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. If you can’t live with that, you are prohibited from using our information.
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