Fourth of July Creek to Icicle Ridge

A perfect spring hike, Icicle Ridge has it all: snowy peak backdrop, wildflowers, wildlife, good trail, few people and a good chance of fair weather. Instead of climbing the steep 4th of July route, however, take the more gentle ascent from the well-marked trailhead (#1570) just over a mile up the Icicle Creek road. 1 1/2 miles and 1,800 feet puts you on the northeast end of the ridge, looking down over Tumwater Canyon, Leavenworth and the Icicle Valley, all while watching Mountain bluebirds at their nest cavities and turkey vultures soaring below.

We also had to stop for Blue grouse, chipmunks, Douglas squirrels, fence lizards and a skink, besides an Anise swallowtail, a Mourning Cloak, myriad blues and a sulfur butterfly. The wildflowers were legion, my favorites being the fairy slipper and the red-anthered (eastern form) Glacier lilies.

From this lookout point, we doubled our trip along the ridge towards 4th of July Creek, before heading back out to our afternoon Anjou bakery treats. Ahh...bliss.