Icicle Ridge
Often free of snow as early as April, this excellent early season hike offers hikers what they have been missing for months: a good chance of sun (this being the sunny side of the Cascades, a bountiful array of wildflowers, and stunning views of Tumwater and Icicle Canyon, the Wenatchee and Icicle rivers and surrounding mountains.
What's more, hikers can attain all of this glory with relatively little pain - an 1,800 foot gain in 2.5 miles as opposed to the neighboring Fourth of July trail that also leads hikers to a higher point on Icicle Ridge in a grueling 4,300 vertical foot march. Now it is true that the views are better the higher you go on Icicle Ridge. But for spring hiking, it doesn't get much better than this. Go early to experience the birdsong and wildlife. Go in April and May to admire the spring beauties, anemones, glacier lilies and Tweedy's Lewisia. The trail to the saddle is generally well-groomed and shaded with a moderate incline.
Driving Directions:
From Highway 2, head east over Stevens Pass. Just past milepost 99 and before you enter Leavenworth, go right on Icicle Road. Continue 1.4 miles to the Icicle Ridge trailhead sign. Turn right and then make a quick left. The trailhead parking lot is ahead. Recent Trip Reports
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Day hike
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Wildflowers blooming
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Seven members of the Whidbey Island Hiking Group traveled to Leavenworth to hike the Icicle Ridge T...
Seven members of the Whidbey Island Hiking Group traveled to Leavenworth to hike the Icicle Ridge Trail.
The trail is dry and in good condition with many switchbacks to ease the grade. The views improve as you gain altitude and it isn't long before the homes and rivers are far below. We climbed the 2.5 miles to the obvious right turn towards the knoll which offers even better views down into the Tumwater Canyon and then the town of Leavenworth far below. Several snake sightings were made but determined not to be rattlers. A lone para-sailor (see pic) soared above for most of the morning. This is a good early season hike and combined with a visit to Leavenworth was a great day. Five miles round trip and about 1,800' of elevation gain were our numbers for this hike. Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
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The yellow of the balsamroot is gone now, but it's been replaced by the white of mariposa lilies. ...
The yellow of the balsamroot is gone now, but it's been replaced by the white of mariposa lilies. The trail switchbacks for about two and a half miles up to a ridge with nice views of the Leavenworth area, Icicle Creek and Highway 2. There are fresh wildflowers including a nice stand of red Indian paintbrush. The trail meanders for many more miles beyond the ridge. This part of the trail, at least the small part I did, is less used and getting overgrown.
Icicle Ridge
— Jun 02, 2013
— xn485c
Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
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A National Forest Pass is NOT required for this trailhead. Saw lots of snakes (3 total)! The trail...
A National Forest Pass is NOT required for this trailhead. Saw lots of snakes (3 total)! The trail's in excellent shape. The climb is smooth and steady. The previous trip report is correct - when at the top, head right to the end for a magnificent view of Leavenworth and the Tumwater Canyon. Lots of flowers in that area, too.
Day hike
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Wildflowers blooming
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Cloudy day, Indian Paint Brush stunning.
Highlight was the river. Raging! ...
Cloudy day, Indian Paint Brush stunning.
Highlight was the river. Raging! Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
Issues:
Blowdowns | Overgrown | Snow on trail
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Started at the 4th of July trailhead around 10am.
Climbed up the trail to the high point (Pt 7029...
Started at the 4th of July trailhead around 10am.
Climbed up the trail to the high point (Pt 7029). Snow started at about 6,000ft, and was deep enough at the top of the ridge to justify putting on my snowshoes. Then we followed the ridge all the way to the Icicle Ridge trailhead in Leavenworth. Both ends of the trail were quite popular, and were full of wildflowers, but we saw almost no one on top of the ridge. Photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/[…]/IcicleRidgeMay2013 Tracklog: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/319242562 |
 Photo by Konnecticut Kook.
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