Trip Reports

July 26th, 2008: Lake Ida – Lake Carter – Lake Edna loop



Two years ago, I had visited both Lake Edna and Lake Ida on two separate trips, both using the Chatter Creek trail. I had thought then about a loop connecting these two lakes – finally, this trip happened. Glorious meadow walking, with a couple of my favorite lakes thrown in to put the icing on the cake…I really had to work for this one though.

Knowing that I had a long day in front of me I was up early, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. 5:00am had me at the Icicle Road barrier, and ~1.75mi of road/trail walking had me past the Icicle River washout (boy, was that a pain on the way back!) and at the Chatter Creek trailhead.

The Chatter Creek trail was its usual steep self. I made good time though and was at the Chatter Creek crossing before I knew it. Then, it was goodbye to the Chatter Creek trail (for a good long time) as I traversed over to gain the lip of the talus-strewn valley, just one ridge over from the Chatter Creek basin. About an hour later I reached the beautiful, precious basin at the head of the valley - my favorite part of the section to Lake Ida.

Without much time to linger I headed over to the high point of the ridge (and the trip) guarding Lake Ida. The views were superb from this vantage point high in the sky: serious mountains/meadows overload! ...And all capped by Lake Ida. Lake Ida is really, really beautiful. The setting is just gorgeous: Big Lou, a gentle, grassy slope to the east; Mt Cashmere, across the valley to the south; the lush Painter Creek valley stretching off to the north. The lake is no slouch either: flowery, lush green surroundings on one side and granite slopes ringing the other.

I spent about 20min at the lake, before embarking on the next section of the trip: down into the Painter Creek valley. Big Lou’s steeper side rose high on my right while gentler slopes rose up on my left. Snow-melt streams kept me company as beautiful meadow-walking had me at not so beautiful Carter ‘Lake’.

Then began the “spot the trail” game, as I picked up the Icicle Ridge trail and headed westward. Pretty (though squishy) meadows, flowers galore and larch groves were my companions, as I crested a saddle above Carter Lake - for me, the most beautiful part of the Icicle Ridge trail to Lake Edna. A garden of flowers gentled my footsteps, while the full-on views of jagged Snowgrass Mountain took the breath away. Far, far off in the distance I could see Cape Horn; somewhere beneath which lay Lake Edna, my final destination.

First though, I began the long, brushy 1,500ft descent into the densely forested Index Creek valley. Not very inspiring hiking had me at a 4,800ft low point, where I crossed Index Creek and gratefully resumed upward progress towards more fragrant pastures. A short while later I was out of the trees to bask in gorgeous views of Big Lou and Big Jim Mountains. Floating on air, I intersected familiar territory and the Chatter Creek trail to Lake Edna. I hurried over to greet Lady Edna, that most aloof, but all the more intriguing, of the Mormon Lakes. Best of all…I had her to myself!

In her own perplexing way Lady Edna was most welcoming. A cold wind blew through the small rocky area…but this only kept the mosquitoes and other flying beasties away. The shores and hillocks ringing the lake were as barren as ever…but also as smoothly curvaceous as always. Cape Horn rose sternly above me…but the views of Big Lou and Grindstone Mountain from its slopes were a stunning backdrop for the lake. I love this lake!

After spending about 40min at the lake, I was ready to head back. Vending my way past some snow patches I heading back along the Chatter Creek trail. A final short climb signaled the end of any more significant elevation gain as I reached the saddle overlooking the Chatter Creek basin. I enjoyed the awesome views of Cashmere Mountain and Mt Stuart in the distance, as well as the cliffs of Grindstone Mountain of course, and headed down into Chatter Creek basin. The rest of the journey was a miserable slog on protesting legs, but the smile on my face could not be stricken off.

Additional photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shahiddurrani/sets/72157606417546310

(Best guess) Stats:

• Elevation gain: 8,100ft. (High point: 7,300ft)

• Distance: 20mi (+/- 2mi?), including a 3.5mi road walk

• Hiking time: 13.5hrs

• Trip time: 19hrs

Trip/conditions notes:

• Patchy snow near Lake Edna (only one slope potentially dangerous, which I avoided by descending/ascending talus)

• Icicle Ridge trail tread between Lake Carter and Lake Edna is faint to non-existent for 50% of its length, though strategically placed cairns (ducks) help.

• Extremely surprised to see a party of 4 backpackers on the remotest part of the Icicle Ridge trail

Tuesday (7/15/08) I started a four day loop trip in the Icicle Ridge area with my packgoats: Prince, Gobi and Zermatt. It’s a great loop hike using the Hatchery Creek trail #1577; the Badlands trail #1576; Painter Creek trail #1575; Icicle Ridge trail #1570; and back on the Hatchery Creek trail. We also did side trips to Big Jim lakes and Lake Ida.

We started from the Hatchery Creek trailhead. The access is via the Hatchery Creek road which turns off highway 2 at the west end of the bridge across the Wenatchee River (close to Tumwater campground). The access road is one lane, a little brushy and bumpy but quite passable.

The Hatchery Creek trail is not particularly steep but switchbacks up the hillside, and up, and up; gaining 2600 feet in 3 miles to the Badlands trail junction at 5300 ft. After a very brief respite the Hatchery Creek trail continues going up to 6000 ft. There are some brushy sections in the first part of the Hatchery Creek trail. The trailhead trail report said there was a 3 ft diameter tree down across a switchback at 2 miles which was impassable to stock. There was, along with a few smaller trees; and in an area of a bunch of old blow-down. We found a way around it to the trail above. When we came back out on Friday it had been cut out…looked like a lot of sawing.

We turned off on the Badlands trail #1576. The trail junction is signed but easy to miss because there is a section of log blocking the Badlands trail and no tread for about 30 ft through the meadow. The Badlands trail heads down to a crossing of Battle Canyon Creek at 4900 ft. (Based on the names it must not have been a happy place for someone!) The trail then climbs fairly steeply to 6200 ft on the ridge running NE from Big Jim mountain. At that point the trail heads north along the ridge top. We turned off and headed southwest along the ridge top toward Big Jim lakes. The ridge is broad, open woods and meadow, so easy travel. In a few hundred yards I saw faint evidence of a boot path which led us to the first (northern) Big Jim lake. The boot path got somewhat more distinct as the ridge narrowed, generally following along the SE side of the ridge top and then traversing down to the lake. When we go to the lake, there were lots of mosquitoes waiting for us; and they were hungry…not a real pleasant prospect for the evening, so we retreated about 1/3 mi. to the ridge top where there were nice views and the wind and DEET kept the mosquitoes to a tolerable level (I think I’ve been spoiled so far this year by almost bug free hiking in the Buckhorn wilderness of the Olympics).

Wednesday morning we went back to the lakes. The bugs were not so bad then, as long as I kept moving. Both Big Jim lakes are shallow and there were not a lot of wildflowers, but quite a few Larch for fall color. The second lake is in a nice meadowy setting. There were still quite a few snow patches around the second lake. It is about 150 ft higher than the first, over a small ridge. The easiest way to get there seems to be to cross the outlet of the first lake; head SW up the ridge; then follow a sloping bench westerly (below cliffy area) to a saddle between the two lakes.

After visiting the lakes we headed back along the ridge to the Badlands trail and continued north toward Painter creek. After about ½ mile the trail swings to a more NW direction and traverses down through mostly meadow. The trail is pretty faint in places though the meadows, so takes a little care not to loose it. It then switchbacks down to a signed junction with the Painter Creek trail. We headed upstream toward Carter lake. The first crossing of Painter creek was a calf deep ford. The second was the choice of the same or two small logs which ended abruptly in the far back. The goats are pretty good at crossing logs, but the ending at the other bank looked problematic for them, so we forded here too. After a couple miles the trail opens up into meadows. The trail is faint to nonexistent here and I lost it a couple of times. Looking at the Greentrails map, it looks like it crosses the creek and then crosses back…but the going was easy and I picked the trail up again not too much later. It then starts the climb up to the junction with the Icicle ridge trail near Carter Lake, with one more stream crossing, this time only a few inches deep. When we reached the Icicle ridge trail, we headed the few hundred feet SW toward Carter Lake. The Icicle Ridge trail disappears in the meadows around Cater Lake, but is marked by a few cairns.

Right at the outlet of Carter Lake we turned off the trail and headed south toward Lake Ida. There is a small meadow area to the south and a cairn. After a couple hundred feet there is a boot path which leads up over the small ridge into a large flat grassy basin with a few ponds. After crossing the meadow near the left (east) side, I found the faint boot path heading back NE up the ridge. This is just about where the meadow starts to slope up. There is a Larch tree and a small pond close by. This goes up to a sloping meadow bench which heads south up toward Lake Ida. Coming back down there is not much to mark where this little section of boot path is except it’s in a less sloped meadow area, and you can see a little of the small pond in the grassy meadow below. From here there are bits of tread and a few cairns. The path then crosses a slope with lots of water running down it (at least at this time of year) over to be very close to the headwaters of Painter creek. There were still quite a few snow patches in the upper basin, but still enough bare ground to find the path. The last couple hundred feet of elevation gain to the saddle to Lake Ida is up a rock slide…the path/trail is quite evident. It’s easy meadows down toward Lake Ida and there is a boot path around the east side to the outlet. Lake Ida is simply stunning! This was clearly the highlight of the trip.

Thursday we headed back to Carter Lake and took the Icicle ridge trail east toward Lake Augusta. The Icicle ridge trail pretty much disappears in the meadows about ½ mile east of Carter Lake before it starts the climb up the ridge toward Lake Augusta.

I noticed that if you are coming down the ridge from above Lake Augusta toward Carter Lake, there is a point where the trail is traversing down along the upper slope of a meadow when it almost seems to end. There is faint path ahead, but it’s blocked by a couple small logs. The trail actually switchbacks here to the SW across the meadow, but it’s not visible.

It was kind of breezy Thursday afternoon at Lake Augusta, but the mosquitoes were there too. So, I found a spot away from the lake that wasn’t too windy but had enough breeze to keep the mosquitoes down. I thought the wind would die down after sunset like it had the previous nights…not so. It started gusting stronger as sunset approached, and continued well into the night. I did not get much sleep, wondering how strong the next gust would be, and whether the tent would stand up…well it did, but a couple of tent staked got pulled loose and there was lots of flapping. On top of that, I had picked a patch of bare ground to put the tent on. As the wind started gusting stronger it started picking up the dirt and blowing it through the mesh sections of the tent wall. By morning everything inside the tent was covered with a layer of dirt/grit.

Friday was a pleasant hike out on the Icicle ridge and Hatchery creek trails. I found a beautiful patch of wildflowers on the SE ridge of Big Jim mountain just above the Icicle creek – Hatchery creek trail junction. There are also lots of wildflowers in the Fall creek burn area.

I had four great days of blue skies, wildflowers, views.

We camped at Upper Johnny Creek and actually started hiking before noon. The sun was warm but the breeze was cool as we made our way up. Except for being steep most of the time and rocky some times, the trail is in good shape. As we approached the ridge, we spotted a red party balloon floating along. With the stiff wind, we expected to see it flying halfway to Glacier Peak, but there it was lying on the trail. We also saw a silent glider catching a thermal before disappearing over the ridge. The Icicle Ridge Trail was in snow as far as the lookout, and appeared to continue as such to the west.

If 4800 feet over 6 miles one way isn't enough of a workout for you, you might want to consider going 2 miles west to the headwaters of Johnny Creek, where it looked like it was fairly open pretty far down if a XC trek is your cup of tea. The topo map (dated who knows when) shows a 4WD road going a ways up from the camp ground area. One spring I saw a guy ride his bike back to his truck at the Fourth trailhead after he and his party had come down the snow slopes to JC camp.

The trip today included J.Gazelle, Silly P, and Chippie. We drove to the Icicle to escape the gray drizzle of Western Washington and were delighted to find sun! I hadn't hiked this trail for a long time, but it was as I'd remembered: long, steep and hot. Still, we wanted a good work out and wasn't disappointed. The night before was a late night get together so I was in zombie mode. However, good conversation and the extremely aromatic flowers helped keep my motivation up! The trail is in excellent shape and we didn't find any blow downs until about five miles in. We saw no snow in the six miles we hiked, but could see some down the ridge. No bugs. Some lupine and the Tweedies are just beginning to bloom. There should be a great lupine flower show at the top of the ridge in a couple of weeks. We saw few people today. Nice drive home with incredible amounts of water in the Wenatchee River. Shakes to go at the diner 'cause everybody and their mother was there. No room for us!

I WENT TO LEAVENWORTH FOR SOME SUNSHINE AND SCORED BIG TIME. THE SUN SHINES HARD ON THIS TWO + MILE HIKE TO THE FIRST PART OF THE RIDGE.

THE REST OF YOUR TRIP IS UP TO YOU. THE MAP SHOWS THIS RIDGE TRAIL GOING ON FOR SEVERAL MILES, GOOD FOR CAMPING AT SEVERAL LAKES UP THE RIDGE AND BEYOND. I MADE WAY FOR AT LEAST TWO TRAIL RUNNERS THAT DIDN'T LOOK LIKE THEY WERE BREAKING A SWEAT AT ABOUT 80 DEGREES+ ON THE TRAIL. ANYWAY MANY FLORAL DISPLAYS RIGHT NOW, GREAT TRAIL IN PERFECT CONDITION ON THE SUNNY SIDE WITH VIEWS OF LEVENWORTH, WENATCHEE RIVER, ECT. A FEW BUGS LOTS OF LIZARDS AND BEWARE ON MR. RATTLSNAKE ON THE TRAIL.

June 8, 2008: 4th of July Creek, Icicle Ridge traverse

Icy winds, snow plastered trees, sunny skies and gorgeous views - Icicle Ridge is a fabulous place. This was reprise of a trip I had done last year in very similar conditions, but a return visit was in order because of the fun I had had.

I began my hike at 4:45am from the trailhead. Dark clouds hung over Icicle Ridge, although there were brightening skies across the valley. The flowers; balsam root and lupine lower down, penstemon and phlox higher up; were struggling to do their bit, but the conditions remained dull and lifeless. Mount Cashmere, across the valley, was having a good time though: alpenglow bathed its upper reaches under enticingly blue skies.

About halfway up, I began to be blasted by strong, icy winds. As I layered up, negative thoughts coursed through my head and I began to feel somewhat forgotten. Even the incredibly cool, but ghostly burnt forest 2/3rds of the way up failed to lift my spirits. However, as I made the turn for the final easterly traverse to the ridge crest the sun broke through; Icicle Ridge’s spine, bristling with burnt trees, looked even more impressive in the snowy, frosty conditions. Ice-rimed grasses welcomed me up the final last bit to the ridge crest where I met the first snow.

At the ridge crest I first headed left to the 7,029ft high point. The wind had completely died down, it was nice and sunny…just perfect. The views from the summit were superb: Glacier Peak, Grindstone, Stuarts, Enchantments, all were out and doing themselves proud. However, the length of Icicle Ridge stretching off to either side looked better than everything else. Icy, snowy candlestick trees on a pristine white palette. Almost rubbing my hands in glee, I headed back down to begin the ridge walk east towards Leavenworth.

The next 2mi or so were on beautifully consolidated snow, with only the occasional posthole. Snow lovingly clung to trees on their northwestern side, while the far side was rapidly shedding its ‘winter’ coat under the warming sun. As I walked amongst the trees, I was careful to avoid the various clumps of melting snow being periodically released off the branches.

I eventually dropped into the Power Creek basin. Snow-melt pools provided a nice variety to the views and I spent some time exploring the area. Eventually, I pulled out of the basin and began the long 7mi descent. Only an occasional small patch of snow now appeared. As I dropped lower and lower, a beautiful flower display kept me entertained, all the way down to the Icicle Ridge trailhead, 8mi from my car. Thankfully, I was successful in catching a lift back to my car, with only a 1.5mi road walk.

Additional photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shahiddurrani/sets/72157605518272342

Stats:

- Elevation gain: 5,600ft, 6,600ft drop; high-point: 7,029ft

- Distance: 15mi (plus an additional 1.5mi of road-walking)

- Hiking time: 8hrs, 50min.

- Wildlife seen: Coyote, deer, grouse and chick, no snakes.

we hiked the icicle ridge trail today. we hiked about sevan miles up. did not hit any snow!!!

no bugs yet. trail very brushy. lots of blow downs as you crest ridge. overall, trail is in pretty good condition!!!

Justus Smitchger invited me to join him on this winter outing. He had done the homework and mapped out a route involving minimal avalanche risk. We parked the car at the trailhead for Icicle Ridge some 1 1/4 miles up the Icicle Creek road out of Leavenworth. We initially tried to upclimb without snowshoes but switched to wearing them after struggling with the first 200 vertical feet of gain. They were then on for the entire hike. The snow had a one inch crust which was easily broken. There were numerous deer tracks and one revealed blood from a foreleg which was cut by the icy edge. Rather than follow the trail we just gained elevation tracing the fall-line until meeting up with Icicle Ridge at ~3,200 feet. Then our route was pretty much right on the ridge toward the peak at 7029 ft. The route went through the remnants of a devastating forest fire that consumed thousands of trees. The silver ghosts of trees seemed to blend in with the winter landscape but it detracts from the beauty. There is a trail beneath the snow but we didn't see any part of it. This would be a difficult peak to summit if surrounded by clouds or immersed in fog as the ridge is broad and contours toward the summit are not obvious. When at the summit pyramid we swung around to the west side as that allowed us to gain the true summit. There were 18 inch thick cauliflower blooms of rime ice which was tricky to surmount. We grabbed onto the thick iron bolts used to anchor a former lookout or we might not have made it up the final five feet. Our descent involved retracing our steps although the snow conditions below 2,500 ft were a mushy mess from the heat of the day.

Distance traveled; 12 1/2 miles Elevation gain; 6,300 ft Car-to-car; 11 hrs.

The 2000 edition of 100 Hikes in the Alpine Lakes states this hike has a 4800 ft elevation gain and is 13 miles round trip. Our altimeter said we gained 4600. We left the TH at 9:20 AM and returned to the truck at 8:00 PM-not a time to brag about,but it says something about the strenuous level of the hike for 2 ""geezers"" as my husband often calls us! The trail is in excellent condition with no snow until nearing the ridge. We had the pleasure of meeting Craig Romano and his wife, Heather, as we arrived at the trail to the former lookout . It's nice to be able to put a face to a familiar name. We had a beautiful cool fall day to hike! This isn't a hike for a typical hot 4th of July day! The sunset was beautiful! We were thankful for headlights at the end of the day! The larch on the hillsides in the area along the Icicle Creek were beautiful and there were still other shrubs and trees with fall color remaining but not for long!

Moms in the Mountains: Three days of Freedom. Started Friday at 2pm up Chatter Creek trail. Beautiful day but a late start got us up to Lake Edna almost at dark, 7:30. We'd advise leaving a couple more hours, if you've got a full pack. It's a steep leg burner. The next morning we looked across the lake were surprised to see a hunter collapsed asleep in the grass. We talked with him later to discover they hiked most of the night the same route and arrived at 3:30 am! We saw five or more hunters along the route and heard a few shots.

The best part of the route is from Edna over Ladies pass to lake Mary. Leave plenty of time to check out the view, the flowers and bask in the sun. Spent the night at Lake Margaret, which is a bit disappointing compared to the splendor of the high alpine areas. The hike out from L. Mary is long, even though mostly down and level. Again leaving at 2pm we didn't get back to Icicle Creek until 7pm and shuttled back to our car at the other trail head. Thank goodness we didn't walk the 4 more miles! FYI One of our group saw a bear along Icicle Creek trail.

Day hike from end of Icicle road past Lake Margaret, Mary's Pass, Ladies Pass, out Chatter Creek trail. Trail is good up Icicle to junction with recent cut-off to old Lake Margaret trail. This cut-off section was recently brushed and is in good shape. A little brushier once you get past junction with old trail on to Lake Margaret. Trail from there over Mary's Pass, Ladies Pass, Cape Horn to saddle above Chatter Cr. is in good shape and very scenic. Upper end of Chatter Creek trail is rocky, brushy and rough coming down. The last mile is on the new cut-off and is smooth with long gentle switch backs. Anyone starting at this end who does not know this trail is in for a rude awakening after this first mile. Not sure why they closed the original trail head and trail as that part was more in character with the rest of the Chatter Cr. trail.

Strong wind in upper sections kept bugs at bay and nearly blew me off the trail a couple of times around Cape Horn.

Up Icicle Cr. trail to new (relatively new) cutoff trail to old Lake Margaret trail, then up over Mary and Ladies Pass and back down Chatter Cr. trail. Day-hiked this loop making a rather long day since parts of the trail are rough and slow-going. Trail up Icicle and newer cutoff to the old Lake Margaret trail (recently brushed out) are in good shape, then becomes a little brushier up to Lake Margaret. From here to Cape Horn, trail is mostly open, good and scenic. Cape Horn to pass above Chatter Creek is also pretty good, but upper two miles or so of the Chatter Creek trail is quite rocky and brushy and hard going down on tired old legs. The last mile is on the new section of the Chatter Cr. trail with smooth, l-o-n-g, gentle switchbacks. Anyone starting this hike from this end and expecting it to be like this first mile for the whole Chatter Creek route will be in for a big surprise. Not sure why they abandoned the old starting point and trail which was more in character with the rest of the trail. A windy day keeping bugs to a minimum but nearly blowing me off the trail a couple of times around Cape Horn.

A novel loop route:

Lake Ethel, Chiwaukum Lake, Ladies Pass, Frosty Pass, and Chain Lakes from White Pine Ck trailhead #1582.

USGS Stevens Pass & Chiwaukum Mts. 7.5’ quads

Green Trails Wenatchee Lake, Chiwaukum Mts & Stevens Pass 15’ quads

Alpine Lakes Preservation Society 2002 (3rd. ed.)

This describes a 40+ mile loop route from the White Pine Creek Trailhead #1582 over Ladies Pass, Frosty Pass, the Chain Lakes, and back to the trailhead via the abandoned upper White Pine Creek Trail. It can be shortcut via Wildhorse Ck Tr #1592, skipping the Doelle & Chain Lakes (this would be a pity). The key is a “recent” logging road not shown on the 1986 Green Trails map which I noticed on the 2002 Alpine Lakes Preservation Society map (3rd ed.). It requires ability for steep off-trail bushwhacking and map & compass navigation, but this is only about 1/2 mi. and straightforward, even with a 15’ map. I’d advise doing this in a clockwise direction, else you would be committed to an unknown descent at the end of your trip (although the bushwhacking is easier going downhill). Be aware that, as with any loop route, after your point-of-no-return, you are committed to completing a route over unknown terrain, so do your homework. Make sure the White Pine Ck crossing at 2.5 miles is doable.

I took 3 days; it might be more fun with 4 days and an extra night in the Chain Lakes area. I attempted it unsuccessfully July 1,2007. A wonderful ramble.

STEP 1: White Pine Ck Trailhead to Chiwaukum Ridge crest

5.2 mi. 3500’ gain 3.5 hrs. (moving fast and knowing the way)

Park at White Pine Creek Trailhead #1582. Start early, it’s a north slope, a long day, and you want to do the steep ascent in the cool of the morning. 0.9 mi before the trailhead, on the left (S), is a gated logging road. Ascend this to the end of the 6th switchback (keep careful count; it IS possible to get lost on a logging road!). The road forks almost immediately after the 6th switchback; take the LEFT fork. I missed this on my first try 7/1/07 because the left fork is largely filled by rockfall and I mistook it for a gravel pit. Do NOT proceed to the end of the RIGHT fork; you will end up traversing left over very steep terrain in heavy brush back into the left-hand ravine. Take the LEFT fork and go to near the end of the 9th switchback, where the road, largely overgrown with alder, enters a brushy clearing in the ravine formed by the stream that defines the east edge of the switchbacks. There will be big rocky cliffs visible above on your left. At a hard-to-see culvert, enter the brush and diagonal upwards and leftwards across the ravine. There is a large clearing in this brush, invisible until you find it, which will save you a lot of trouble [see photo #1. The road end is in the centerline of this photo, at the far end of the brush, invisible from above.]. Diagonal upwards to the left (E) side of the ravine and then go SSE straight up to the ridge crest. Estimated 151 degrees True, 130 degrees Magnetic. Up above, there seems a tendency to go too far to the right; use your compass and follow the bearing. If you don’t have a frame pack, it’s serious but fairly straightforward bushwhacking, not as bad as it gets, essentially straight up the ravine. Steep. Some steep talus and convenient snow gullies 7/1/07; I did not bother to get my ice axe out then but it was too steep to fall on. 7/1/07, there was a good spring just below the ridge crest at the base of a talus slope; no snow or spring 9/1/07. 9/1/07, the center stream across the road was still running.

I had to retreat this way in July. From the ridge crest notch, just follow the ravine NNW to where the slope noticeably lessens in a brushy clearing and pick up the road on the left (W) side of the stream in thick alder. The overgrown road is not visible from above, but it's just below and Left (NW) of the little clearing in the brush [see photo #1]. The corgi followed with minimal help, all 3 times.

STEP 2: Ridge crest to Trail #1585, #1584 & #1574 to Chiwaukum Lake

6.6 mi. 1000’ gain 3.5 hrs.

Just SSE of the ridge crest, there is a curious “sinkhole” depression. From here, descend SSE through easy brush and you will soon meet the Lake Ethel Trail #1585 in about 1/4 mi. This might be easy to miss if it’s under snow in early season. There may be some confusion because of a new shortcut trail from the “new” logging road 6930 (not shown on my older maps). Look for blazes. A metal sign near some red paint blazes helpfully informs you that this area is closed to motor vehicles, motorized equipment and hang gliders. If you got this far, you can find this trail.

I followed Tr# 1584 to McCue Ridge (#1574). Old trails and new roads provide confusion. My very old Green Trails map and the 2002 ALPS map disagree on what is Tr#1584 and what is #1584A (I believe #1584A goes to Lake Julius). At the #1574/#1584 junction, a 90-degree signpost pointing to Lake Julius and Chiwaukum Lake was loose in July, rotated 90 degrees out of place. I corrected this. The #1584 trail to the NE is not shown on the 2002 ALPS map. According to my ancient USGS map, Trail #1574 originally continued east down McCue Ridge, but I saw no sign of this and the current trail is obvious. Nearing Chiwaukum Lake, you begin to encounter blowdown, nothing serious. This whole stretch is very simple.

STEP 3: Chiwaukum Lake to S. Fk. Chiwaukum Ck., on Tr #1591

4 miles -1900’ 2.0 hrs., moving fast

Between Chiwaukum Lake and Glacier Creek, there is more blowdown and it’s very brushy, slowing progress; unmaintained presumably because the bridge is out near Glacier Creek.

In July, I was unable to cross Chiwaukum Creek near the Glacier Creek junction due to high water (without a 24 lb. corgi in my arms, I probably could’ve crossed it, but there were other reasons for turning back). The 1996 Green Trails Chiwaukum Mts. map shows a triangle here, so there may be an alternate crossing but I saw no trace of it, only a washed-out bridge. 9/1/07, no problem.

Saw a beautiful head-sized, head-high paper wasps’ nest 10’ off the trail: something to think about in late summer when you’re thrashing around a windfall in the dark in dense brush; what if you panic and ditch your pack and lose your headlamp?

STEP 4: Trail #1571 from Chiwaukum Ck to Ladies Pass (end of Day 1)

7.0 miles 3400’ gain 5 hrs., moving fast

Fast, easy trail. Midsummer 2007 reports say the river was too high to cross in the cirque below Flora & Brigham Lakes; no problem 9/1/07. Plenty water 9/1/07 at the stream a mile below Ladies Pass; I filled the water bag and camped on a rock above the pass at 10:30 PM. This was a 14 hr., 23 mi., 8000’ day. One might shorten it by camping at Timothy Meadows or Lake Flora (bugs?), but it’s great to start Day 2 up high.

STEP 5: Day 2, Play Day. Cape Horn, Ladies Peak, Mary’s Pass, Snowgrass Mtn. area.

Don’t skip Cape Horn or Ladies Pk; they are low-angle, Class 2 at most (maybe occasional use of hands), easier than they look from the pass. Many rambling possibilities up here. We took the trail above Upper Florence Lk and over Mary’s Pass (here, note the contact between the Chiwaukum gneiss and the granite to the SW). From Mary’s Pass, the trail descends over 200’ along a broad rib, then switchbacks almost 400’ down a headwall. I left the trail and followed the first stream gully ENE 200’ up into the obvious basin ENE of Lake Mary, where a curiously straight stream drains due W into Lake Margaret. Many people, including kids, descending from Snowgrass Mtn. here. A most fragile area, but we tiptoed around on rocks and found a scenic bare-bedrock minimum-impact bivvy. One could easily ascend Snowgrass from here (one might also ascend the east slopes of Snowgrass, a scree bomb in late season).

STEP 6: Day 3, Frosty Pass to “Doelle Pass”(?), Tr# 1570

About 4.5 miles over 500’ gain about 3.75 hrs.

This abandoned stretch of Tr #1570 is a real treat. It is easily followed but I was glad to have a 7.5’ USGS map. This trail is not shown on my old Green Trails map, but is shown on the 1996 No. 177 Chiwaukum Mts 15’ map, from which I carefully transcribed it. Brushy but easy to follow, quite serviceable. Continued neglect will kill it; the brush is forcing the tread downhill. If you start a work party, let me know, I'm in.

From Frosty Pass, follow the sign W & NW to the horse camp, from where it continues contouring NW. It contours around two corners, drops a bit into a little basin, then crosses left through a 5730’ notch, passing two more knobs on their left. After the second knob, the trail turns left (W), but there is another obvious trail leading right (N) through a narrow notch, and this continues north (it would be fun to explore, possibly to Brule Ck??). #1570 turns W and traverses the S slopes of Pt. 6125, exposed, steep, and might require an ice axe with snow. Stunning views of the Bull’s Tooth (Teeth?). It descends NW into a charming marshy bowl, skirts this on the uphill side, crosses the stream and ascends its left (SE) bank up a rib to the map edge.

You could water at lower Doelle Lk, but 9/3/07 there was fine water from a spring in the rockpile above the upper Doelle Lk. Trail switchbacks to the 6200’ pass. NOTE: if coming from Chain Lakes, turn RIGHT at the pass; LEFT will take you down the yucky scree slope. I left Frosty Pass at noon and left “Doelle Pass” at 3:40.

STEP 7: “Doelle Pass” to jctn. Icicle Tr #1551 & Whitepine Ck Tr #1582

3.2 mi. 2400’ loss, 600’ gain about 3.25 hrs.

From the pass, drop 2400’ to Icicle Ck Tr#1551 in 3.2 mi. Descend W under crag 6604 and catch your breath when you look up at its S face. From the outlet of the upper lake, it’s worthwhile to ascend social trails up the knob to its W for the view. Re-gain 600’ in 2.1 miles to Whitepine Ck Tr #1582.

STEP 8: Whitepine Ck Tr #1582 back to trailhead

8.5 mi. 300’ gain, 1900’ loss 3 hrs.

The junction is prominently signed, and the trail promptly disappears in a grassy meadow, but follow it straight across a log in the middle of it. There are a couple of prominent blazes. This 6 mi. trail to the river crossing is “abandoned” and very brushy with a few sketchy spots, but I was able to follow it easily enough (the lower 3 miles in the dark with a feeble headlamp). 40 min. below the pass, a wet, thick, sketchy place ends at a mossy rockpile (trail literally moss-covered). A few troublesome windfall and avalanche tangles, but it’s fast and open in some impressive old growth lower down.

Cross the river right where the trail first meets it. There is a sawed log and a log bridge abutment on the upstream (NW) side. An easy ford in Sept., but maybe trouble earlier, so try to get info before you leave. The final 2.5 mi. is a welcome cruise.

Day 3 was 13 hrs, about 20 mi. 4 days with an extra night at Chain Lakes would be nice. Just walkin' the dog.



landmark Tr# elev. gain net gain mi. total

White Pine Ck Trlhd 2,800 n/a n/a 0.0 0.0

road start 2,400 -400 0 0.9 0.9

road end (est) 4,600 2,200 2,200 3.8 4.7

ridge crest 5,850 1,250 3,450 0.5 5.2

Lk Ethel jctn. 5,500 -350 3,450 0.5 5.7

map edge 1584 5,800 300 3,750 0.6 6.3

Roaring Ck 1584 5,200 -600 3,750 2.0 8.3

McCue Ridge 1584 5,900 700 4,450 1.5 9.8

Chiwaukum Lk 1574 5,300 -600 4,450 2.0 11.8

Glacier Ck 1591 3,800 -1,500 4,450 2.4 14.2

S Fk Chiwaukm R.1591 3,400 -400 4,450 1.6 15.8

jctn 1575 1571 3,700 300 4,750 1.4 17.2

Index Ck 1571 4,100 400 5,150 1.6 18.8

Ladies Pass 1571 6,800 2,700 7,850 4.0 22.8

1571 6,800 0 7,850 0.0 22.8

Ladies Pass 1571 6,800 0 7,850 0.0 22.8

Uppr Flrnce Lk col 6,700 -100 7,850 0.7 23.5

Frosty Pass 1570 5,700 -1,000 7,850 1.7 25.2

map edge 1570 5,800 100 7,950 3.0 28.2

Doelle Pass 1570 6,200 400 8,350 0.7 28.9

Chain Lks 1570 5,800 -400 8,350 0.5 29.4

Icicle Ck 1551 3,800 -2,000 8,350 2.5 31.9

jct WhitepineCk 1582 4,400 600 8,950 3.0 34.9

pass 1582 4,700 300 9,250

map edge 1582 3,600 -1,100 9,250 1.0 35.9

Wildhorse Ck Tr 1582 3,200 -400 9,250 2.5 38.4

map edge 1582 3,200 0 9,250 0.5 38.9

White Pine Ck 1582 2,800 -400 9,250 2.0 40.9

An overnight trip with friends to scramble Snowgrass Mountain in the Chiwaukum’s near Frosty Pass.

We met fairly early at the Monroe P&R and carpooled to the Chatter Creek Trailhead. We hiked the Chatter Creek Trail #1580 to it’s junction with the Icicle Ridge Trail #1570 and headed NW toward breezy Lake Edna.

We paused at the lake for a bit and then continued on to the NE shoulder of Cape Horn. Couldn’t resist the 10 minute walk to Cape Horn's summit. Very enjoyable lounging around in the warm sun. Returning reluctantly to the trail we crossed Ladies Pass, following it up and down until we reached Upper Florence Lake and camp for the evening.

Saturday morning we left Upper Florence Lake jumped back on trail #1570 going N toward Lake Mary. After passing through the 6900’ saddle above Lake Florence and dropping 200’ or so down the other side, a few of us were reluctant to follow the trail all the way down to Lake Mary and instead traversed the steep slopes below Pt. 7708 E into a basin. One of us took the trail down and then climbed into the basin from the W. Toss up which route turned out to be worse. Both got to the right place eventually.

The basin below the craggy points S of Snowgrass is beautiful enough for a day trip all by itself. We followed the drainage channel as it gained elevation and narrowed, ultimately angling upward toward a saddle .25 mile N of Pt. 7593. In spite of the limited visibility (and fairly strong winds to boot) we did locate the saddle without problem, and from there it’s an easy stroll up the broad ridge to the summit… or wait, is that really the summit? According to reports, this was an easy walk up scramble peak, but when we got to a small cairn at the top of the gentle ridge, we looked a little further N into the mist and saw the rocky summit across a nasty exposed looking notch. No mention of this in the reports. The loose misty rock in between stopped three of us, but the one with most experience crossed the notch and climbed onto the summit. No problems. Still it looked pretty hairy to me and I decided to call it close enough right where I was. Oh well, save it for another day and better conditions I guess.

The trip out was long and uneventful. We got back to the car around 9:00pm, and missed dinner at Gustav’s, but the Ducks and Drakes across the street was still serving. A bachelorette party was in full swing while we ate. Very entertaining.

The Hatchery Creek trail is in great shape with a couple camping spots each with water, there's lots of powdered clay dust which would make hiking in a group not so pleasant . From the junction with the Icicle Ridge trail heading left (east) the trail varies from extremely faint to nonexistent. Just follow along the ridge crest dropping until you see a cairn to the right, then begin a series of switchbacks dropping into the Cabin Creek valley. The tread is invisible, the switchbacks imaginary, but with plenty of good luck you'll eventually make it to the bottom and the camp in a woods. From here the fun really begins, as the trail out of the valley is obliterated from fallen trees, overgrown in chest high vegetation, and otherwise undetectable. If you are lucky enough to spot a sawn log high and to the right on the hillside you might just make it out without having to retrace your (uncertain) steps. Icicle Ridge lookout is a fitting reward for such a challenging trail finding adventure.

This week's trip boys and girls was to Chain/Doelle lakes via Wildhorse and Frosty-Doelle #1570. Started at Whitepine TH. Brushy past Wildhorse turnoff-""Captain Clippy"" to the rescue! Camped night 1 at Grace Lake, fine fishin. Day 2 went to Frosty Pass and on to the horse camp. While making lunch talked to 4 young ladies who had come from Stevens Pass and said the trail was fine. Followed their footsteps (improving the trail as i went), to Doelle and Chain lakes. Camped at middle Chain. Great fishing again but small(7-8""). Day 3 back out to Frosty Pass and on to Mary Lake for a look-see and then out. 30+ miles and 7000'.

We had 8 days to complete Ladie's Pass Loop and nothing but beautiful weather in the forecast. We started out on #1571 Chiw Crk trl. It is an easy gentle climb up to the junction with #1591. We camped at the junction where there are 3 camps. All trees had been cleared up to this point. The next day we headed up #1591 to Chiwaukum Lake. There had been no clearing of the trail from this point on. We ran into a total of 17 downed trees and a bit of brush. Most were managable and only 4 were a bit harder to get around. Enjoyed the shade up to the junction with Glacier Creek. The bridge is in good shape at Glacier Creek and the ford at N Frk Chiw Crk is easily managable. Then the hot steep climb start. It is very exposed with a few patches of shade and thank goodness Mother Nature's air conditioning (the wind) was on in several places and the views are phenomenal. There was a lot of black tent caterpillars that liked to go for a ride on your pack.

Once we reached the lake there were several campsites but the best were at the far end of the lake. We grabbed the first large site but ended up deferring to a group of men who had been coming to that spot since they were young. Luckily we had not unpacked and took the next large campsite down from theirs. The bugs were an issue but we managed.

The next day we day hiked up to Larch Lk. There were 4 downed trees but managable. After leaving Ewing Basin it's meadows and a creek all the way up to the lake. What a spectacular area. The lake is beautiful and I enjoyed watching a mommy marmot and her babies sunning on the rocks. We also saw lots of fish in the lake and outlet stream.

After one more night at Chiw.Lk we headed back down to the junction and then up to Timothy Meadows where the trees had been cleared. The waterfall just before the meadow is amazing and a greatful sight after this dry stretch of trail. At the top of the waterfall is the junction with Painter Crk Trl and shortly thereafter the meadow. We only found two sites at the meadow-one the horse camp and another farther up. There is a large tree that the bears have really clawed up. Don't miss it! Again the bugs were a issue but the price we pay!

The next day we headed up to Ladie's Pass. It was brushy but clear where the trail went. Watch your step-lots of critter holes on the trail. The sign is still in place for the junction with Index Creek Trail. After you leave the tree line behind it's meadows all the way up to ladie's pass. There are several waterfalls in this valley but you can't spot yours till you cross the creek. It's an amazing sight and only 12 steep switchbacks to the top. We bypassed Lake Flora and Lake Brigham though the latter is visible from the trail. Keep climbing through beautiful meadows until the pass. Then a short up and down along the ridge brought us to Upper Florence Lake. It is beautiful and home to many marmots. There is a great dead tree for bear hanging at the lake.

We continued the next day back to Ladie's Pass. The trail up Cape Horn is in great shape except maybe 4 unsteady steps across an avalanche shoot then the immediate reward of Lake Edna. After leaving the lake you drop down through meadows and keep following the cairns. Look for a signpost with no sign after you cross the creek. If headed for Lake Augusta go left here. We stayed right on the boot beaten path which was actually Chatter Creek. Quickly noticing our error but by that point we decided to push on through and deal with the 24 mile car issue when we got out. There is a huge avalanche field you cross just before you climb over Grindstone Mountain. This part over the mtn is steep but very steep and loose gravel on the other side. A couple of camps are at the head of the valley and a few more camps shortly after you head into the trees again. Then its dropping all the way to the trailhead with clear trail. What an experience can't wait till our next big adventure. Got a ride to Leavenworth from a nice young man and called the Leavenworth Taxi for the 10 mile ride down to our car. All works out!

Went in the Augusta Lake trailhead for an adventuresome 4 night backpack trip. The trail up to Lake Augusta is snow-free with only a few blowdowns that are easily navigated. Lots of bugs out at the lake, but the windy and rainy evening kept them to a minimum.

The next day we got back on the Icicle Ridge trail and went over Big Jim pass down towards Carter Creek. About 1 mile down the trail, there is a cairn next to the trail and the trai ahead is covered with small logs--obviously someone was trying to deter us from keeping on the defined trail. We checked around and found some cairns showing the way into the meadow below. The cairns quickly turned into a pretty good trail, leading us steeply down, across a boggy area and into a woodsy area. We came out right at Carter Lake and the junction with the Painter Creek trail. Not sure what was up on the main trail--we didn't bother investigating, but this route got us to where we wanted to go. Beyond Carter Lake, the Icicle Ridge trail is hard to find, losing tread in grassy areas. Some thoughtful person had put up a few cairns to help us follow the correct way, plus the grass had a trodden look that signified it used to be a trail. I must say that this whole section of the Icicle Ridge trail from Big Jim pass to the junction with the Scatter Creek trail is seldom travelled and in danger of being lost if it is not maintained.

We went over another pass and down steeply into another valley. The trail heads steeply down over beautiful grassy areas into a deep forest. The trail becomes incredibly brushy and the bugs were pretty bad here. We finally came to the junction with the Index Creek trail. There are two creek crossings after this. One you can do without getting your feet wet, the other you will get a little water over your boots. From there, the trail climbs steeply again, going through very brushy forest and coming out into a meadow next to a stream. We totally lost the trail here and had to consult the map and then check around a bit before we found it on the other side of the stream, heading back up into some trees. About 20 minutes later we joined up with the Scatter Creek trail right below Lake Edna. The map shows to two paths to get from the Icicle Ridge trail to the Scatter Creek trail, we never found the first trail so it must be unsigned.

From this point on, our trail-finding endeavors were over and we decided to camp at Lake Edna. It took us about 6 hours to go about 6 miles, so we were pretty beat. Plus the weather was looking pretty threatening.

The next day, the weather was just as bad and we decided to break camp and head over Ladies Pass and down to Upper Lake Florence to spend another night. The weather was a little better over here and the lake is surprisingly protected from the wind. The mosquitoes were pretty bad though. And there are lots of marmots who are more than willing to take your unattended stuff if it's salty enough. I caught one making off with a hiking pole!

The next day, the weather was only slightly better and we were sick of mosquitoes, so we decided to head out a day early. We went out by Lake Mary and down the Frosty/Whitehorse trail. This trail is not cleared of blowdown and some of them were a bit difficult to negotiate with a heavy pack. The crossing of Doughgod Creek was a bit hairy too. The rocks are slippery and the creek is full and fast moving.

Icicle Creek Trail is a wide boulevard compared to the rest of the trip. Most blowdowns have been cleared.

The whole trip was pretty buggy, so if you're planning on heading up to this area, bring plenty of bug repellent, covering clothing, and a head net. More people need to traverse the Icicle Ridge trail between Lake Augusta and Lake Edna or this section will be lost in a few years. It's incredibly wild and beautiful and I would highly recommend it.

The Icicle Ridge trail just southwest of Leavenworth is a great quick hike. A two and a half hour scenic reprieve from the crowds of the town.

The trailhead is very close to town and the hike is merely 2+ miles to the ridge saddle permitting the panoramic views. However, much of the forest is sparse, so the views are great for most of the hike.

The hike is fairly steep, and therefore it isn’t as busy as it would otherwise be.

Since it is Eastern Washington in July, this hike has the potential to be scorching hot, so we went early and carried water. It wasn’t too bad, but we were tempted to fall into the pool overlooked by the last three switchbacks on the way down. We restrained ourselves at the sight of two Doberman Pinschers within the fence.

A decent map of the area is available at:

http://www.mthome.com/Images/mapicicleridgehike.pdf

This trail required the $5 trail pass as do most trailheads in national forests. The pass can be picked up at the 76 gas station at the intersection of Hwy 2 and Icicle Creek Rd. less than two miles from the trailhead.

Fourth of July trail in good shape to ridgetop as per earlier reports. A few thin snow patches at ridgetop but Icicle Ridge trail is bare throughout to Leavenworth. Increasing number of dead falls over trail beginning in Powerhouse basin and eastward down to where long switch backs begin. Most of these can be stepped over or gone around. A trail crewman was working at upper end of Fourth of July trail and said he may continue on thru to Leavenworth so maybe some of these deadfalls may be removed soon. Last two miles of trail from saddle to Leavenworth road in good shape. No bugs worth slapping today.

Fourth of July – Icicle Ridge traverse

Steep slopes awash with wild flowers...a fantastic ridge traverse on pristine, consolidated snow...views to die for...this trip had it all.

After an early start from the house, I was at the Fourth of July Creek trailhead 2 hours later, and on the trail by 5:00am. The skies were grey and Mount Cashmere, across the valley, seemed to be missing its head. However, I didn’t pay too much attention, because the spectacular flower display (lupine and balsam root to start, phlox and avalanche lilies higher up) soon had me ooh-ing and ahh-ing.

The going was steep until 5,400ft at which point the grade lessened and gentle switch-backs meandered through a ghost forest of burnt trees. Unfortunately, at 6,000ft, it was back to the steep climbing, as the trail traversed eastward to Icicle Ridge’s crest. The route was snow-free all the way to the ridge crest where I was greeted by consolidated snow, which would keep me company for the next 2.5 miles.

I first made a quick side-trip west to Icicle Ridge’s 7,029ft high point. The Stuart Range was on display across the valley, unfortunately El Capitan (9,415ft Mount Stuart) was hiding in the clouds.

After a slight pause to get my bearings it was back east along Icicle Ridge. Then followed a fantastic ridge walk as I dropped in and out of various basins. Views on either side were spectacular: Tumwater Canyon to the left, and ever improving showings by the Stuart Range all-stars. The going was on solid snow, with an occasional bare patch (usually dotted with flowers), until I traversed out of the Power Creek basin (6,300ft). Then the solid snow was replaced by a patchier variety.

The next 5mi or so were blow-down alley. Nasty, tiresome blow-downs; a new one popping up like the Cheshire Cat, seemingly every few yards. However, the return of the flower-show soon had my attention as I happily feasted my eyes on penstemon , lupine, balsam root (an even better showing than on the Fourth of July Creek trail) as well as Tweedy’s Lewisia.

The final 2 miles, with Leavenworth always in sight, went quickly, and I was soon at the Icicle Ridge trailhead. All that remained was the simple matter of hitching a ride back to my car. A half-hour and 1.5mi of road-walking later I was finally successful, as 2 much-appreciated gentlemen took pity on my suffering...

Stats

• Distance: 15mi (plus an additional 1.5mi of road walking)

• (Cumulative) Elevation gain: 5,600ft; loss: 6,600ft

• Hiking time: 7.5hrs

Easy parking, trail is hardpacked snow, widely tread, till reaching the ridge at about 3200'. Snowshoes necessary above, tracks hard to find after a short bit. Wind whipping over the crest have built cornices and windslabs; I set off a small slab, how very exciting! You might want to stay below the ridgecrest for a couple miles,till the ridge widens. The loading seems to all be right at the crest.

Camped at 5700', nice view of some Enchantments, too bad the wind was so wild or I woulda stayed a bit. Difficult route-finding on descent, tracks erased mostly.

Some blowdown, mostly buried or half buried between 3200 and 5000'.

Many little weird things made this a fun trip! Bugs exploded colorfully on the windshield as we drove down the Icicle river road to a late start at the trailhead. We dropped our return car at Chatter Creek and continued on to the Icicle Creek trailhead. Many cars and people here; we were soon passed by a group on horseback.

The first day was long - very long - getting to the rerouted Frosty Creek trailhead. Thankfully the trail is very flat and smooth up to that point so we cruised along at a good speed. Frosty Creek trail was a consistant uphill grade, but never too steep. Thankfully I had my poles to help with my sore knee from Vesper, but unfortunatley it also meant the camera had to stay in my pack. I didn't take a single photo until we reached Margaret Lake.

We moved around to the backside of Margaret and found a nice campsite. Already nearing sunset we setup camp, prepared our bear bags, and dug into the birthday surprises we brought for our group leader. The chocolate cake survived nicely. The ice cream was more milkshake consistency but still incredibly tasty in the heat. After learning the Chinese version of ""Happy birthday"" and hearing the benefits of disposable paper underwear we turned in.

Day 2 we headed up to Lake Mary and onward toward Edna. Mary was totally deserted and very nice. Here the group split, two hikers headed back to get home in time for the final day of Bumbershoot. The rest of us continued on. We returned to the main trail, not knowing that the Mary trail continued on and rejoined it, and started traversing up towards Mary Pass.

The fall colors are really showing early up there! Lots of yellows, oranges, and some reds mixed in. The pass was very scenic and we stopped for a bit to rest in the rising heat. Off in the distance we could see Upper Florence, looking very nice and cool. Several others were heading there and we pressed on towards Edna.

At the overlook above Florence we could see Ladies pass - it looked so far away! Thankfully it was much closer than it looked and we soon hit the Chiwaukum creek junction. At this point I was regretting not refilling on water at the creek below the pass. Then we saw Cape Horn - we have to go up that!? Again, thankfully it wasn't as bad as it looked. The colors on the traverse up past Cape Hoorn were fantastic! Lots of oranges and reds.

At the top we spotted desolate Edna and began our descent. I pulled out the poles again for my gimpy knee and picked my way down slowly on the rolly rock. Down at lake level we found it was really Lake Nak-Edna! Three hikers on the far side were dipping, soon two more joined in on the far side, and later on two guys came up for a swim too. We pitched our camp on the ridge above the lake, cooked up some quesadillas, and after spotting one colored larch, hit the sack.

Overnight rain threatened leading to many open/close cycles of the rainfly on my Rainbow. I stayed in the tent late until the clouds cleared and we started down. Down we went through very nice meadows and small creeks, past sunbleached boulders filled with peeping pikas and slightly yellowed larches to the pass below Grindstone. One final climb and then it was all downhill to the car.

And what a steep downhill it was! I took some photos, then the camera went away again in favor of the poles. Still I was glad we did the loop in this direction. The temperatures were still rising and we had to refill on water when we hit Chatter creek. While hiking out we encountered some trail-potatos: two potatos and a onion basking in the sun on a rock beside the trail. Mabe I was just tired but for whatever reason this didn't seem odd to me, almost like they should be there, and I just pointed and said ""potatos."" Finally back at the car, hot and tired, we drove in to Leavenworth in search of food, stopped at Gustavs, and were on the road in time to get stuck in the Hwy2 traffic jam.

Happily the car ahead was very amusing. The guy constantly was digging his ear, almost like it was waterfilled. It might have been too, since he floated alot down the road like he had no equilibrium. Many times we heard a ""yeah!"" from the car and saw a passenger give thumbs up towards a coffee stand or some random person. It was all very entertaining. I wanted to stay behind them but a giant diesel pickup forced its way in front and removed our entertainment. Passing through Startup we received a friendly wave from the local Redneck welcome wagon - a group of several women and shirtless old men, all equipped with beer, in a front yard across from the tavern cheering on the cars in the jam.

After a long drive, and getting partially lost in Edmonds, we made it back to Seattle. Great trip!

Trip photos at http://www.pbase.com/billcat/icicleridge

2 1/2 days. Weather: hot. Chatter Creek to Lake Edna; Icicle Ridge to Lake Mary and back.

The trail up to Lake Edna is truly brutal and I'm no whimp. The few flatter bits are delightful, but mostly I found it just too steep to really enjoy because I had to focus so much on footing both ways.

Started Sat. at 10:00 a.m., got to Lake Edna at 3:00. 5 hours for 6 miles tells you how steep it really is. Camped near Lake Edna, but wished i'd have gone on to Florence which was much nicer. However, the trail up around Cape Horn is horrendously steep, so just as well i did it without pack. Saturday afternoon I explored the route down toward Lake Flora, but didn't make it all the way because I was losing so much elevation and my legs were just pretty weary after the Edna ascent, so turned around at the stream.

Sunday I day-hiked to Lake Mary. That stretch along Icicle Ridge is arguably the most scenic in my experience. Stunning views of Rainier, Baker and Glacier. Mary was charming and had very nice campsites. Went for a swim then abandoned my plan to go down to Margaret. It was really hot and the pooch was driving me nuts what with all the whistling marmots around there (the ground is crawling with them!) On the way back we went down to Upper Florence--again for a swim. Both Florence & Mary are more scenic than Edna in my estimation and have camping available. Returned back to Edna for one more swim before donning the pack and starting back down. I had decided to break the descent up and camp half way since I didn't have to be back to town until noon on Monday.

There are a few tricky spots along the trail, but they aren't hard to figure out if you are paying attention. The rock garden is one of the coolest things I've seen. Really interesting stretch along there.

I would recommend starting up Chatter Creek in the afternoon, camping at about the 3.5 mile point (nice spot about 1/2 mile past the 2nd obvious campsite at the stream x-ing); a small trail visible to the left, with a path down to the stream which is not visible or audible here, so could be overlooked. Then start up to Edna early and go on to camp at Florence, Mary or even Margaret. I considered going through and back down Icicle Creek (1551) but it didn't quite work out with the timing. Fellow backpackers who had come in via 1571 (Chiwakum) noted that it was very brushy.

Remarkably few biting bugs; tons of marmots and pikas, lots of butterflies. Copious huckleberry bushes.

We wanted a good dose of high country before the summer ran out, so we headed up to the Mormon Lakes country on Icicle Ridge. We left packs and one of us at the Blackpine Horse Camp trailhead, then the other drove back to the Chatter Creek trailhead, parked the car, and walked the four miles up the road back to the packs.

Our route followed the Icicle Creek trail (1551) for four miles of easy forest walking to the junction with the Frosty Creek trail (1592). This trail climbs to Lake Margaret and Frosty Pass. The trail is pretty brushy with late summer growth on the upper part. You won’t lose the trail, but you may want long pants and a machete. We camped in a grove of trees next to a meadow below Lake Margaret.

The next day we climbed to Frosty Pass to begin the real treat: miles of spectacular high ridge walking along the Icicle Ridge trail. We descended into the Lake Mary basin for lunch, and then climbed back up to the ridge, continuing on to Upper Florence Lake, our campsite the second night. Before dinner, there was time for an easy scramble up on the high tundra of Snowgrass Mountain for even better views of Baker, Glacier, Stuart, Sloan, Daniel, and countless other peaks.

Our third day began with more climbing up to Cape Horn via Ladies Pass, a descent to Lake Edna, then another climb up the rocky side of Grindstone Mountain to the saddle that leads down to the Chatter Creek basin. From there, it’s down, down, down. The trail is steep enough that it’s slow going, as we had to watch our footing. We were glad when we reached the Chatter Creek trailhead that our car was already there – no need for four miles of walking on the hot dusty road.

Wildflowers were still pretty good up high – we saw several kinds of paintbrush, Parry’s bellflower, dwarf mountain lupine, alpine fireweed, and lots of gorgeous Lewis’s monkeyflower. Butterflies were abundant. But the flower show is all over in the lower reaches, and will be fading fast up high. The good news is that the bugs are also past their peak and were pretty tolerable. Hiking midweek, we saw only two solo hikers and one group in three days.

All in all, this hike provides some of the best high country wandering that you can find anywhere!

Chiwaukum Creek trail is clear all the way to Ladies Pass, though it's very brushy-- probably miserable in rain, mist or even dew. Steep to Lake Flora (hiker camps were thick with bugs-- horse camp was less so), steeper to the pass, but great views. A quick sidetrip around Cape Horn to look at Lake Edna then back westward along Icicle Ridge over several passes and past numerous lakes to the Frosty Pass junction. The trail I'd come to see is signed ""Horse Camp"" and takes off northwest from the pass, past a great camp, eventually dropping down to a fork on a wooded saddle. Go left here; the right fork is a plummetous drop over boulders into a meadow high on the shoulder of Wildhorse Creek-- don't let the cairns trick you into thinking you're on a trail, I left a new one myself!

From the saddle the correct trail actually drops left (south), eventually working its way over a sketchy patch before finally dropping down to a meadow below Doelle Lakes. A long ascent passes the lakes and climbs to the Bull's Tooth Gap, great views of the Chain Lakes. The next few miles drop through the lakes' basin (one of the most beautiful in the Alpine Lakes wilderness) then steeply down the trail to the Icicle Creek junction. After too short of a rest it was up the trail to its meeting with the PCT and a small trailside camp. also thick with mosquitos. An exhausting day, I'm not sure of the mileage, but a dozen lakes: Flora, Brigham, Edna, Upper Florence, Mary, Margaret, two Doelle, three Chain, and Josephine.

Thanks to the good folks at Northwest Trailways for dropping me off at Tumwater campground and picking up at Stevens Pass. My heroes!

Hiked up Chatter Creek to lake Edna on Monday, returned Tuesday. No snow, no bugs. Somewhat overgrown in places. It was unbelievably cold and windy up there in the evening and the morning (about 36 degrees at 6:30 AM).

Be aware that a cursory glance at the Green Trails map gives you the impression that you start at 3000 feet. The trailhead is actually at 2600 feet, and is not shown on the Green Trails map. So it 4000 up to the pass, then 400 feet down, then another 500 feet up to get to lake Edna.

Left my truck at Chatter Creek trailhead and walked the icicle gorge trail up to the bridge over Icicle Creek. Nice and cool, in the trees, with several easy access points to great swimming pools. Killer hike for families with kids. From the bridge walked road up to Icicle Creek trailhead where I had dropped off my pack.

Started up the trail at about 10:30 Sunday morning. Already about 80 degrees. Trail is almost level with thick dust. Passed trail crew at French Creek camp. Big camping area with enough room for 6 camps and right on the creek. Stopped a little ways past to water up and do a little fly fishing. Lots of small cutthroats.

Continued on up trail. Hot, dry, and pretty dusty. Crossed a super engineered bridge just before Frosty Pass trail junction. Couple of ok campsites here. Trail now becomes less used, covered in more pine needles and a lot less dust. Still fairly flat, occasional brushy crossings of avalanch swaths. Took the Lake Leyland junction down to the creek and made camp. Nice site with room for 4 tents and some grassy areas to walk/camp on. No bridge but could see Leyland creek trail on other side of Icicle Creek. Whent swimming, cold but nice. Mosquitoes starting to zero in on me. Hit the hay early.

Next morning was on trail about 9:30. Fairly level tread for about a mile, then crossed Chain Creek and finally started a little climbing. Hit Chain Lakes junction in forest at about 8 1/2 miles from trailhead. Steep switchbacks in the woods (a lot of them!) then a long sidehill climb up to Lower Chain Lake. Spectacular open basin with craggy peaks encircling. Beautiful, clear day but still around 90 degrees. Threw a mepps lure out into lake and immediately caught a fat 12 inch cutthroat. Threw it back, since I had plenty of food. Made camp at Middle Chain Lake, then started out exploring a trail on right side of lake, hoping to reach upper lake. Bad choice! Trail goes around left side of lake. I discovered this after tread disapeared and I x-countried over meadows to upper lake. Absolutely stunning scenery.

Headed up the steep sidehill trail towards the gap on bullstooth ridge (Bullstooth is the tallest peak on the right). Great view north from gap to Sloan Peak, Glacier, Baker and countless lesser peaks. Trail down to Upper Doelle lake splits at the gap. I went left, but in hindsight, I would recommend going right. The left branch is extremely steep and ther is a large patch of snow to cross. The lake is pretty, but not as much as Chain Lakes in my opinion. Followed trail around left side to outlet. Several small trails lead to campsites, so don't get confused. Passed Lower Doelle lake on left side, crossed outlet and started down abandoned Doughgod Creek Trail. It is very important to stay sharp here! Trail crosses outlet creek about halfway down the basin. Once on the north side, tread starts to dissapear. Look for grass that has been flattened and also bootprints in mud. Occasional tread. At bottom of meadow, distinct (if rooty) trail heads uphill on left hand side. It goes up, then down, sidehills around a nob and then starts a long sidehill climb towards a gap on Frosty Ridge. Pretty good tread, but narrow, rocky, and brushy in places. Cairns are strategically placed. When you reach the gap, trail splits. Take right hand branch, do not go straight ahead. Now trail goes up and down and up, etc. along the ridge top. Trail quality continues to improve until you pop out at Frosty Pass and junction with Icicle Ridge trail. Follow trail up about 3/4 mile and take branch trail down to Lake Mary. Very pretty lake but mosquitoes are insane. Had to eat dinner in tent, they were so bad.

Next morning climbed out of the basin on the Garden Wall trail (Icicle Ridge) towards Mary Pass. This is one of the coolest sections of trail I have ever hiked, very scenic. Great views from the pass out across the Icicle valley and down to Upper Florence Lake, but Icicle Ridge trail stays high, crosses a basin, and climbs steeply to Ladies Pass. Stopped in basin to water up at a snowmelt stream. Left my pack on the trail along with my fishing poles while I walked about 40 yards uphill to get my water and when I turned to look back at my pack, 3 marmots were right next to it. I had to run back downhill to chase the little varmints off, but they still had enough time to chew up the handles on my fishing poles (grrrrrrr).

From Ladies pass, trail climbs very steeply and scarily up the flanks of a high nob and then decends down into the basin of Lake Edna, a small lake (tarn) in a high, rocky basin. From there I started down into a basin with lots of snowmelt creeks, along with the outlet stream from Lake Edna (Chatter Creek?). Then its another sweat, puff, and grunt up to a saddle on the left shoulder of Grindstone Mountain. From here it's practically all downhill for about 3 3/4 miles to the Chatter Creek trailhead, but it was a long, hot bugger. The trail is very rocky and combined with a pack and tired body, makes for a long haul down to the trailhead. This is one steep motherf..... and I think hiking up it with a pack in the hot sun would remind some of Dante.

Total time on trail was 4 days (3 nights). Weather was fantastic, scenery was fabulous, only downer were the bugs. A-.

June 23 - June 27

The short of it:

Icicle Creek Trail 1551 – no snow on trail through Leland Creek juncture. Blow downs and brush. Few bugs.

Leland Creek trail 1566 – Cross Icicle Creek up stream at log jamb, cross Leland Creek down stream at log jamb. Blow downs, brush. Snow covers trail a mile and a half to two miles above the juncture with Square Lake trail. Few bugs.

Margaret Lake – Wild Horse trail 1592 – High water at Doughgod creek for difficult ford. Trail in good shape other then blow downs. Snow on trail in patches by lake level. Margaret is melted out with a third of the shoreline in snow.

Frosty Pass – Snow over trail in woods above Margaret.

Frosty Pass – Ladies Pass - Once on Icicle Ridge (1570) the trail is mostly melted out with snow fields to cross in places. Lake Mary mostly melted, Upper Florence is still 90% snow and ice.

Ladies Pass – Chatter Creek – short but steep snow going over Cape Horn shoulder. Lake Edna is snow and ice. Between Cape Horn and Chatter Creek (1580) 70 – 80% snow covered.

Chatter Creek to Icicle Creek Road – Large snow field from 6200’ – 6500’. The rest of the trail out is snow free with water running over it in places. Most bugs we encountered were at camp 5400 feet on Chatter Creek.

The long of it:

After a frustrating time trying to find snow free areas for my son and me to get into the mountains for five days, we opted to go up Icicle Creek outside of Leavenworth and see what we could find.

Parking at the end of the road (7600) we hiked seven miles up Icicle Creek trail (1551) to the intersection with the Leland Creek trail (1566). Of the seven miles in, the trail was relatively clear. Some blow downs and places, especially just past the juncture with trail 1592, where the brush was quite thick. Pushing through it wearing shorts got our knees a little scratched and something in the brushy mix left a sting.

No snow on the trail with a few patches visible.

We stopped at the large camping area at the juncture with Leland Creek trail. This has a large established camping area which we shared with a party of 11 scouts from Wenatchee. Between the cooler temperatures and the breeze coming off Icicle creek the bugs were, thankfully, pretty minimal.

Our second day we decided to just day hike up to Leland Lake.

As Icicle creek is still running pretty well, we bush whacked upstream a little to get to a good sized log jamb. Even I had little difficulty walking across the double logs lying over the faster portion of the stream.

Once across we pushed back down stream to pick up the trail. Within a half mile, we found ourselves facing a roaring Leland Creek. This time we headed a little downstream and again found an easily negotiable log jamb.

The mile and a half between the ford and the connection with trail 1567 (Square Lake) the trail had little snow and was fairly easily followed.

The trail then switchbacks up a few times before it continues to traverse the valley. Between tree debris, blow downs and patches of overgrowth, you got the impression that another year of neglect and this trail may all but disappear.

The boardwalk over swampy areas has been reduced to rails with bent spikes and no planks. In one section a large cedar fell taking several feet of the trail with its root ball.

A mile and a half or so past the juncture with the Square lake trail we were mostly on snow. Having not been up that way before and tired of post holing, we decided to step across a log to the other side of Leland creek and have lunch on a gravel bank before heading back down.

When we got back to our camp, the boy scouts were long gone, replaced by a four guys that had hiked in from Stevens Pass. They said they were on all snow from before Josephine Lake till a mile and a half south on Icicle Creek.

Our third day we decided to head up high on the east side of the valley. The hike back down to the Margaret Lake trail (1592 – Might have been signed Wildhorse) was quick. The trip up to Margaret was hampered by a lot of wheezing.

In less then a half mile we had to cross Doughgod Creek. Like all water ways, it’s running fast and loud. I’m sure by mid summer it’s an easy skip across the big rocks. For us, it was a slow trip across a log we climbed to up stream.

It’s not that sitting on a log and slowly scrunching forward for maybe 8-10 feet is that difficult. Doing it with pounding white water just below your boots, however, tends to make it feel a lot more intense. Fortunately, my son didn’t have to try and fish me out down stream.

Other then occasional blow downs, the trail was in pretty good shape. We didn’t see any snow until 5000’ feet and not on the trail until we hit the lake level.

Lake Margaret is completely thawed with a third of its shoreline in snow.

The 50 foot falls coming into the lake halfway down its NW shoreline was spectacular. We found our way down to a nice camping spot below the falls on a level piece of ground. The small creek flowing by was currently being used by a number of trout, 6-8” swimming up stream.

Despite the swampy look of the area, it was relatively dry with firm footing and best of all not too bad for biting insects.

Lots of Swamp Marigold and Jasper Shooting Star.

Our fourth day was what hiking is all about. Finding the trail again, we climbed up toward Frosty Pass where we’d pickup trail 1570, Icicle Ridge. On the wooded west side of the slope the snow was still fairly heavy and we lost the trail a couple of times. Just traverse the slope and it’s relatively easy to pick up again.

You leave the forest just before the pass. Once at the Frosty Pass juncture everything opens up. The meadows were crowded with avalanche lily in bloom. Blankets of yellow. The trail would still disappear under snow, but once out of the trees it’s so much easier to see where it goes.

Icicle Ridge is what hiking is all about. One huge view point after another. As we continued up trail 1570 we could see the tip of Baker, Glacier, Sloan, Pride Basin, Index, Mt. Daniel, the top of Rainier, etc.. This while walking through alpine meadow with flowers in bloom. Simply stunning.

The trail disappears under a large snow field before making the next ridge. All the snow we encountered was soft and felt like running through sand. It was tough work in some places especially where we had to kick in steps.

Despite the shorter mile count, this turned out to be a tough day of travel.

Once around the ridge we traversed above Upper Florence Lake. Three large snow patches to deal with. Due to the steepness of the slope, we opted to climb above or below to avoid possibly sliding down too fast.

Other then a ring of turquoise water, Upper Florence is still more snow and ice then a lake. The slopes here were covered with patches of white and purple flux (sp?).

Cresting above Florence we traversed around the next cirque to finally get to Ladies Pass. Once again more snow to navigate, but more a nuisance then anything.

From Ladies Pass you can see the end of Lake Alice, melted out down and to your right. The trail continues, however, up and to your left. We looked at the map several times to make sure that the zig-zag line going up to our left was really our trail. So be it.

Three patches of snow to cross on pretty steep grade. With the softness of the snow I doubt we would have slid far if we’d slipped, but it would have been a lot of work to get back up.

Finally toping out, we rounded Cape Horn and got a look down at Lake Edna.

Lake Edna is still all snow and ice with a small amount of melt to indicate where a body of water will be. The upper end of the valley is still 70-80% snow covered.

Sliding down on soft snow is certainly less jarring the pounding down a trail, but having not been across the area before it would have been nice to be able to see where the trail is supposed to be.

After one wrong turn, we did finally make it across the cirque having found a total of 30 feet of trail and three rock carines.

While we were sure we had the right exit to Chatter Creek trail (1580) in our sights it was a relief to finish kick stepping up the last slope of snow and stand on the ten feet of visible trail just before the crest of the ridge. Thank you Green Trails.

Having now seen a soul all day, we just happened to meet a gentleman and his dog just finishing their climb up Chatter Creek and heading in the direction we’d just come.

Chatter Creek trail switched back steeply for a quarter mile plus and then hit a large snow field. Fortunately, we had fresh boot and paw print to lead us down to where the trail is melted out. Once there it was all clear, if sometimes wet and over grown.

We descended 1500 feet in a mile and a half and found a large camping area close to Chatter creek. Our most tired days end and as soon as we’d gotten our packs off, the biting flies and mosquitoes came in the largest and most irritating numbers we’d had on the entire trip.

The next morning the trip back to Icicle Creek Road was a long down hill pound. The first crossing of Chatter Creek from the downhill direction has no bridge. My son, who has much better boots then I, forded. I found some logs a little down stream to pick my way across. Probable looked a bit ignoble, but I made it dry and unscathed.

The rest was a hot, front thigh work out back to the road.

I was looking for a long elevation gain where snow wasn't a huge factor. I had read some reports for this trail so I knew snow wouldn't be an issue. The lower portions of the trail need brushing and since it had rained recently I became quite wet. The cloud ceiling was around 6500ft so views were mostly stunted. The grade is quite pleasing but it is still a substantial 4700ft of climb to the lookout which comes in at 7029ft ranking it #36 on the Back Court list. Snow becomes consistent around 6800ft and is pretty solid on the North Side below the lookout. I was glad that I brought plenty of clothes because of the cool windy weather. I didn't have any problems finding a straight forward route to the remnants of the lookout. The lookout itself is on an immense flat rock that requires you to use some handholds that are provided for you. I merely touched the summit and quickly made my way back to my pack that I had stowed in a more sheltered location below me. I quickly ate my lunch and then I was off for the long descent to the truck. I was quite pleased with the 5.5 hour car to car time. I, however, was a bit disappointed with the lack of views from the summit. I am sure that the lookout is a wonderful vantage point. Even though I was quite wet by the time I returned to the truck I am sure that it was much better than trying this climb on a warm sunny day. I was simply amazed with the volume of water in both Icicle Creek and the Wenatchee River.

The weather forecast was looking less than stellar so the plan was to head east. Rubberlegs joined me for a trip up the Icicle. We decide on the Icicle Ridge Lookout since Rubberlegs has been trying to visit as many of the LO sites as possible.

The promise of a nice day improved as we headed over the crest. Pockets of clear sky peaked out. We arrived at the TH at about 8:15am and other then a few low clouds hugging the ridge the day seemed promising. About 8:30am he were headed up the trail. Neither of us had been up the trail before but since both of us were familiar with the steepness of the Chatter Ck trail, this trail was no surprise. There is a sustained steep grade all the way up to 5000'. It's actually a pleasent trail. Along the lower stretches the flowers are coming out. We saw trillium, calypso orchids and balsam root. A bit higher up out came avalanche lilies and yellow bells. The trail is in open forest and the evidence of fire is everywhere.

At about 5000' the grade eases up, just a bit. It's here that the snow becomes really consisent and following the trail is hit or miss. We aimed for where we figuered the trail was. This basically had us doing a steady gain on the SW ridge of the LO. We were aiming for a point just east of the highpoint. At about 6000' we left the trail completely, or what we could find of it under the snow, and did a beeline for the top. The snow was really nicely consolidated and hard but not difficult to get a good step in. We arrived at the summit and Rubberlegs poked around investigating the remains of the old LO. Not much remains. Just the anchors and a bit of cable and the remains of the old ladder to the LO. (Stats to LO: 4mi, 4700' gain).

We made such great time to the LO that I asked if Rubberlegs was interested in heading over to Pt 6906. He jumped at the chance since it was only about 12:30pm. This point is only about 1/2 mile and 140' gaina way. We arrived there and took shelter behind a nice big rock since it was a bit windy. We had incredible views of the Enchatments. Both of us were really surprised and the nice weather we were having for the day. I really did expect to get rained on at some point during the trip but it never happened. The weather just continued getting better as the day moved on.

After a short lunch on Pt 6906 we headed back to the saddle, dropped down in a slow traverse, and tried to find our up tracks. It was hard at first since the hard morning snow didn't leave much of a footprint. Eventually around 5600' we found parts of our tracks as well as the trail and we followed them back down to tha car.

I found what looks to be a pair of reading glasses along the trail. They are black wire rim glasses. If these are yours and you would like them returned, email me at Putz-in-Boots@comcast.net.

Stats: almost 9 miles, 5000' gain.

August 25-27, 2005

High open traverse, great views, solitude, no bugs, and adequate water more than made up for the now-past flower show. I imagine it is spectacular in this area when at its peak.

Facing a great weather forecast I spent Thursday driving from Olympia to the Chatter Creek trailhead and hiking up to Lake Edna. Four cars in the parking lot that morning. I emerged at the lake by mid-afternoon - beautiful and lonesome (photo). Trail up was in good shape, though grown over in some places in the basin with late season vegetation.

I spent Friday leisurely making my way up around Cape Horn and down to Ladies Pass, traversing across the upper basin of Spanish Camp Creek and over the ridge down to Upper Florence Lake (photo). Not a soul around. Warm. Breeze. In the afternoon I continued up to Mary's Pass, and a bit up the ridge of Snowgrass Mt to ever broadening views... Rainier, Daniel, Stuart, Baker, Glacier, Sloan, and many, many others. Had a hard time peeling myself away but eventually descended in a traverse through knee-high spent flowers into the increasingly treed Lake Mary basin, arriving in late afternoon. No one else in the basin.

Saturday morning I headed down to Frosty Pass (yes the Wildhorse basin to Grace Lakes country looks inviting), and beyond to Lake Margret. Now in trees and occasional avalanche swaths, the high country and views were behind me. Arrived at the Icicle Creek crossing to meet the dusty horse traffic, and down a bite of lunch. Got to the trailhead and walked the road the last four miles to the Chatter Creek trailhead to arrive in early afternoon, completing the loop.

The hike to Icicle Ridge up Fourth of July Creek is very strenuous and unless you are doing the Icicle Ridge loop not worth the effort. Most of the forest is burned out after you make it up the first mile. The trail is overgrown in many locations making it difficult to see the rocks and tree roots as you push your way through the thick brush growing in from both sides.

July 2-4, 2005

First trip to this wonderful place. Long hike in, but well worth it. Want to go back for longer, as there are other lakes and many ridges nearby for exploring.

Road to the Hatchery Creek trailhead is easily passable to all vehicles. Trail was recently cleared of many big blowdowns, and is well-used by saddle stock. Much of the first mile and a half is heavily overgrown with shoulder-high brush, so that in places you can’t see your feet, even after the passage of the dozen or so other hikers, several dogs, and 3 stock who were on the trail this holiday weekend. The trail has some areas of loose rocks and roots, sometimes is in deeply eroded trenches, but for the most part is in good shape, though dusty. Only a few water sources along the way, and precious few campsites until you reach the meadows below Lake Augusta. Except at the lake, we saw 2 other people all day.

Six hours after leaving the trailhead we were setting up camp on a knoll a few minutes below the lake in a large larch basin. A nice clean camp, room for a host of tents, but buggy at times when the wind wasn’t blowing. The camps at the lake are few and mostly small (though nice), and very exposed to the wind, which was howling when we arrived Saturday afternoon. With 2 parties already up there, we decided to descend a couple hundred feet and have a place to ourselves. Saturday night it was already below freezing when we finished dinner and we all retired to our sleeping bags. Sunday was glorious and sunny, and Sunday night about 20 degrees warmer than on Saturday. Monday was also sunny and warm. We didn’t leave the lake and start the climb back up the Icicle Ridge trail until almost 1:00. We took 4 hours hiking out, plus a lunch stop at the top of the Icicle Ridge trail at the Hatchery Creek trail junction.

The wildflowers throughout this trip were spectacular - one of the best displays we’ve seen in Washington. Most concentrated color and density was in the meadows edging the “silver forest” at the head of Fall Creek basin, just after you crest the ridge coming south from the Hatchery Creek side. The concentrations of scarlet gilia here and on the south-facing switchbacks of the Icicle Ridge trail were more intense than any we’d seen before. A truly great assortment and density of flowers everywhere, making the long hike much more pleasant.

Sunday we hiked the trail up the ridge west from Lake Augusta, nearly stepping on a ptarmigan hen shooing away her 6 little chicks as she froze, camouflaged, beside the trail. From the crest of the ridge, we turned right and climbed off-trail nearly to the top of the first high point on the ridge to find a safe and well-used passage across the steep east-facing slope. (People have gone across much lower down, but it is really dicey. A friend came over that way later in the day - too tired to climb up higher - and scared himself and caused lots of rock fall.) After that you cross one more somewhat airy slope on the east side of the ridge crest, and then climb a rock chute to the crest. From here you stay pretty much exactly on the ridge crest - which is very scenic and pretty narrow in places - as you work your way along to the broad SW slope and comfortable summit of Big Jim. About 90 minutes from lake to summit. Definitely Class 2, with a little exposure in places. The views along the way and from the summit are fabulous, from Baker to Rainier, with the Enchantments, Cashmere, Stuart, Grindstone, Daniel, Hinman, the Chiwaukums, and Glacier standing out. Eastward views well into the Columbia basin. It’s one of those places where you can spend forever locating other peaks where you’ve been or want to go someday. Didn’t find any summit register.

We took a more direct 20-minute route down the scree back to the lake.

Our friend had explored westward on the trail past Carter Lake, intending to get to Grindstone. He’d started late and didn’t get all the way there. He did say the route was sketchy, though there were a few cairns in critical places to mark the way.

The Icicle Ridge trailhead is located off of Icicle Road between the Wenatchee River bridge and East Leavenworth Road. The trail starts by climbing directly to an overlook on the ridge top between Tumwater Canyon and Leavenworth. A few minutes after leaving the trailhead you'll pass above some houses along the bottom of the ridge and look down on someone's swimming pool, bright turquoise surrounded by brown and dusty green. The trail climbs through some of the area burned in the 1994 Hatchery Creek Fire. Still fairly close to town you may notice an area where the rocks and deadwood are still stained red from air-dropped fire retardant.

About 5 miles out the trail passes through a flat area on the ridgetop with a small campsite on the SE side of the trail, but no available water. I managed to get about a quarter mile past the campsite before turning around. Note that Manning and Spring say there's no dependable water on this trail until you're nine miles out. Lots of blowdowns. Lots of nice views down on Leavenworth, out towards Wenatchee and the Columbia River; and while you're laboring uphill in the sun, look down on the rafters and canoeists floating far far below you on Icicle Creek and the Wenatchee River.

Views: quite spectacular, especially now that - due to the big fire - there are no trees to interfere with the views. Among the interesting views are those of the Leavenworth Valley and the Tumwater Canyon; Downed trees: lots in the Icicle Ridge portion; Trail: the upper portion of the Icicle Ridge trail is badly eroded. The trail is a V-shaped trough cluttered with rocks that serves as a stream in the early season; Wildflowers: unbelievably many; Weather: partly cloudy; Snow: none; Companions: none;

This week, the crew of the Trek Ship Star (AKA Rusty Toyota) headed into darkest Leavenworth to take a crack at Icicle Ridge. For this trip we had a new navigation officer, Lieutenant Wheretheheckami, who “don’t need no map or compass, don’t use no GPS, guides by intuition, never seen him fail, that deaf dumb and blind kid sure guides a mean trek trail”. At least that’s what it claimed on his resume. Dubious I know, but he works for minimum wage. The day got off to a good start, a clear run over SR20 and hit the trail about 8:30, the first part has a good tread and near perfect grade for warming up before the real work starts. Up to 3500 elevation (rough guess) the trail is in pretty good shape with a few blow downs, above it’s either had no maintenance for a while or suffered heavy erosion, in places almost disappearing, but it sticks close to the ridge line so no problem. There a lot of blow downs in the fire damaged areas, with more looking ready to fall; I would be a little worried if there was a strong wind. We encountered deep snow drifts on the shaded north facing slopes, how deep did we post hole? Let’s just say my gaiters needed gaiters. At this point we down climbed into a sheltered valley, the snow deep and the trail lost. Lt. Wheretheheckami claimed to know the way and for the next half hour led us on a totally random post holing exercise, continually claiming “I don’t need no stinking map”. Only when we impaled him on his own trekking poles did he stop, allowing us to retrieve the stinking map along with the stinking compass and the stinking GPS. Spock soon had us back on course, looking all too smug, I should have him impaled as well, but I’m afraid of that shoulder pinch thing he does. I’ll wait until he’s asleep. We came up to the crest of a ridge, beyond was another snow filled valley, there were two options, go on down and up and down the 4th of July Creek trail and try and hitch a ride back on Icicle Road, but it’s a long road walk back to Leavenworth if nobody stops, and maybe another 1000ft elevation gain in soft now. So it’s back the way we came, but first a late lunch on a high point looking across to the Stuart Range, by now dark clouds had rolled in and were just touching the peaks. I was surprised to find we were already 5300 above the TH, add in the detours and that’s got to be close to 6000ft gain. I had felt pretty good until that number registered, on cue, my knees started to ache....stupid knees. Around the 5000ft mark, the sun popped out and a 100 yards north of the trail I found a rock with stunning views west to Steven Pass and east to Leavenworth and far beyond, prefect for my happy lizard impression. But all too soon it was back to grinding out the last few thousand feet. Well maybe grinding is unfair, you have good views all the way, and as there were a couple of hours of daylight left, no hurry. Arrived back at the TH at 7pm, tired but happy, a great day in the mountains. I will definitely be coming back with a tent exploring further.

PS. I would like to emphasize that no crew members were harmed in the making of this report, harm portrayed was purely wishful thinking on the part of the author.

Trail is snow-free and in good condition up to the ridge at 2800 feet. Did not proceed beyond this point.

A three day loop trip to Lake Augusta, Big Jim Mtn. and Lake Ida. Stats: Approx.23.5 miles and 6500' gain. Trails: Hatchery Creek #1577, Icicle Ridge #1570, off trail Carter to Ida, Painter Creek Trail #1575, Badlands trail #1576 and final 3 miles back on Hatchery Creek trail #1577. Find the Hatchery Creek Trailhead is at the end of the Hatchery Creek Road #7905 off Hwy 2 between the Wenatchee River Bridge and Tumwater Campground. Hatchery Creek Trail #1577. Trail is in great shape, but steep, climbing approx. 3000' in the first 3 miles. Pass the intersection with the Badlands Trail #1576 (new signs make this junction easier to spot) at 5300'. The slope relents as views begin, and you pass through an area of old burn silver trees. Continue up to the junction with the Icicle Ridge Trail #1570 at 6700'. Hang a right (W) and loose some of that hard won elevation (and gain it back again plus a few feet) in the last 1.7 miles to Lake Augusta. Just before arriving at the lake, the trail splits. The lower (more or less straight-ahead) track approaches the lake from below through a meadow area with a stream, ponds and many larch. To the right, the trail climbs over a rocky knob to the outlet of the lake. Left camp after breakfast Saturday to scramble Big Jim Mtn. before moving on to Lake Ida. Headed across the outlet from camp and climbed the talus slope NE of the lake to a point marked +7616 on the map. From here Big Jim Mtn. becomes visible to the NW. Drop to the north side of this ridge and strolled up the wide gently sloping ridge crest to the summit. I didn't find a summit register but the views were excellent. Explored a bit, looked down into the Painter Creek Valley (return leg of the trip) and up toward Lake Ida over the ridge at the top of the valley. Walked along the ridge above Lake Augusta for a while, until it was time to pack up and head for Ida. Leaving Lake Augusta, we climbed to the 7300' pass enroute to Carter Lake on trail #1570. Loose 1100' getting to the lake. At approx 2.2 miles from Augusta, the trail crosses a small stream and then contacts the shore of Carter Lake. To find Lake Ida, head up (south) either gully along the stream or from the end of Carter Lake. Both skirt a low rib and converge. You'll find small pieces of trail as you work your way up (the rib is probably the easier going and is where we found trail most often). Enter a surprisingly large boggy area with the serpentine creek. As you cross the bog and continue to ascend, bear slightly to the left toward a talus slope at the top of the valley. The boot track becomes more pronounced as you near the talus. Up and over the 6800'+ ridge and there you are....beautiful Lake Ida. Camping at the lake is limited, stunning, and exposed. The hike out on Sunday was pretty straightforward. The roller coaster continues. Loose 1600'in 4 miles going from 6800' Lake Ida, past Carter Lake and down the Painter Creek Trail #1575, to the junction with the Badlands Trail #1576 at 5200'. Painter Creek was very lush and green, with the trail pretty overgrown in spots. Easily lost, also easily found again at the stream crossings. The Badlands Trail gains 1400' and looses 1100' over 5 miles to the junction with the Hatchery Creek Trail #1577. Three miles down Hatchery Creek to the cars and a long drive in Hwy 2 Sunday afternoon traffic home. Great trip, good company, but very warm.

The loop trail starting from Chatter Creek up to Lake Edna, around Cape Horn, over Ladies Pass and Mary's Pass, past Lake Mary, over Frosty pass, around Lake Margarate, and out Frosty Creek looked doable as a long day trip based on the reports in so far about snow levels. I gave us -- my wife and a friend -- an 80% shot.

It turned out the snow was nearly melted out. Navigation from the pass above Chatter Creek basin to Ladies Pass was tricky, but doable with attention. There was one place in the basin below Cape Horn where we were about to take an incorrect way path, but luckily a couple coming the other way set us back on the right trail. There were a couple of small snow crossings which were slushy enough to be easy, except that the dog we brought with us nearly knocked my wife off of one crossing. More ice axe arrest practice!

The high country was gorgeous. Lots and lots of flowers, with lots more to come. Big, big mountains, some craggy, some with long, lush slopes. The trail goes through a succession of bowls, moving from more granite to more grassy as it goes down in elevation. Lake Edna was about half-snow and ice, surrounded in granite. The picture is from the area between Lake Mary and Frosty Pass.

The way out below Lake Margarate is unremarkable except for a picturesqe area of forest between French Creek and the Icicle Creek trailhead.

My brand-new-boot racked feet, my very tired friend, and my wife who had to get up early the next day, were thankfully spared the 2 or 3 miles of road back to the Chatter Creek by a couple, sent from hiker heaven, who picked us up took us back to our car.

There is quite a bit of blow down over the Icicle Ridge trail in the old fire burned area about 4 miles out of Leavenworth. Mountain bikers and hikers have gotten around it but it does slow progress somewhat. Rest of trail on top of ridge and on through to 4th of July trail is in good shape. Mosquitoes and flies a problem in some areas today.

Hoping to find better weather east of the crest, we headed to Icicle Creek with hopes of climbing Cannon Mountain. Unfortunately, Sunday morning broke wet and cloudy, leading us towards something a little less strenuous. Fourth of July Creek trail was just the thing for a good training hike. With 4800 feet of gain over about 8.5 miles, the trail provides a good workout with good views, though I can't substantiate the view part. Snow started falling around 5700 feet and continued until we hit the same spot on the way down. The ridge had some consolidated snow on top with 3-4 inches of fresh. We followed the ridge to the lookout site, a nice flat perch to enjoy a picnic lunch on a clear day. This day we tagged the top and retreated to a less windy spot for lunch. The flowers on the lower portion of the trail were spectacular. Blankets of yellow, pink and purple covered the hillsides. It would have been nice to have views, though getting out in the rain and snow was a good change for this generally fair-weather hiker.

Stats: 3.6 hrs to top; 7 hrs car-to-car.

Needed to get out hiking, but had no desire to drive, pollute the air, or pay for gas, so I hitchhiked to Leavenworth, after taking Community Transit route 270 to the end of the line in Gold Bar. Caught a ride after about 10 min by a man going to his nephew’s funeral in Wenatchee. He dropped me off right at the Icicle Ridge Trailhead, which is conveniently only 2 miles S of Hwy 2.

The trail is in excellent shape ascending the ridge to the first viewpoint above Leavenworth. After that, the upper part of the ridge has some blowdowns and goes through some intense burn areas. Wouldn’t recommend this trail for one of those 100-degree days in August. Hit steady snow as soon as the trail dipped into the basin at the head of Power Creek, elev. 6300. I strategically located a campsite in the basin that had water, was relatively sheltered from the wind, and free of snow. Very strange vortex-like bursts of wind would pass through periodically, and the dead trees made eerie whistling sounds in the wind. Saturday morning, I continued along the ridge to the old lookout above 4th of July Creek. The trail had intermittent snow and was a bit hard to follow in places, but it’s so open up there that navigation was not difficult with a topo map in hand. Got some nice views to the east, but the mountains to the west were socked in. Saw a woodpecker and played hide-and-seek with a grouse. I Made an easy decent down the 4th of July Creek Trail. Little bit of snow at the top of this trail, and I was able to clear one of the two blowdowns I found along the way. It started to sprinkle when I got to the trailhead, and then I bummed a ride into Leavenworth with some climbers fleeing the rain. From Leavenworth, took Link Transit route 22 to Wenatchee, and then hopped a train back to Seattle.

It’s a shame that hitchhiking isn’t a more accepted form of ridesharing. For certain trailheads, it seems like it could be an easily workable mode of transportation, and it wonderfully removes the constraint of having to return to the same trailhead you started from.

My sister was in town and wanted to get some exercise. Guessing that Leavenworth would still have snow, we packed the snow shoes and headed over the pass. The spring melt was making incredible progress and it didn't look like there was enough snow along Icicle Creek to warrent a good snow shoe.

Instead, we dicided to hike up Icicle Creek. At the risk of starting a stampede, the trail was in fantastic shape. It was very dry with tiny patches of snow only at the very top, 3900 ft. Our feet never even got muddy and the views were great. We hit the trail after lunch around 3pm and only passed 2 other hikers. After enjoying the view for a while, we were back at the car by 6pm. Great early trail, nice grade, sun with occassional shade, nice view, 5 mile round trip almost on the nose.

Upon reaching the end of the Icicle Creek Rd. I filled out my permit and noticed that a substantial area is closed due to fire. The whole Leland Creek drainage is now off limits. As I took off the Icicle creek dustbowl under pleasant temps, I hardly gave the fire any thought. If it wasn't for the constant sound of choppers I wouldn't even have thought about it again. The plan was to go to Margaret lake using the old trail, which forces you to do a ford of the Icicle. I was unable to find the trail on the other side so I returned to the Icicle creek trail for the extra hour that the new trail forces on you. I did notice along the way for a short stretch the most birds I have ever heard, there must have been thousands. I am guessing that they may have been swallows. I do know that swallows usually return to the same spot each year, and I also have been to Swallow Lakes which is in the affected fire area. So it seems to me that assuming the birds were swallows seems reasonable. Once I crossed the Icicle on the footbridge the trail meanders easily to the 3800ft mark where it joins the old trail to the lake. I passed a horseman at around 5000ft which spooked the dogs, neither had ever seen a horse. The dogs ran down the trail until the horseman realized if he didn't stop he would scare the dogs all the way back to the car. I dropped pack and climbed down 200ft of precious elevation to retrieve my babies. I reached Margaret Lake to find the last camp site still open, I have never seen so many people at an alpine lake. The camp site did not suit me so I set off to Mary Lake. I saw some more campers just east of Frosty Pass, but lucky for me there was not a soul at Mary Lake. I set up camp and ate a much deserved meal. I did fish Mary and caught many small cutts. I think the fish can spawn in one of the inlets to the lake keeping the population high and the fish small. I tried to stay up late to watch the meteor showers, but as usual I fell asleep before it was really dark enough. I did wake at 3am to see one of the brightest and most beautiful moons I have ever seen. In the morning I quickly ate and was off to Mary Pass and on to Upper Florence Lake. Upper Florence can boast of some pretty big rainbows I caught a couple of 14"" and tried all day to coax a 18-20"" that I saw cruising. I actually think the fish was taunting me, he would follow me around the shoreline only to swim away as soon I made a cast. I did find a way trail that leads to Alice Lake but I did not follow it. I talked with one man who was having some real navigational problems, it is good thing I set him along the right way. I then ran out of time so I had to return to camp. Just after cresting Mary Pass I ran into a family who I stopped and talked to for ten minutes ( a new personal record ). We swapped fishing stories about area lakes as well as routes to get to them, thanks for all the good info! I returned to camp to find 2 groups totalling 9 people at the very small Mary Lake. I broke camp in record time and hit the trail. I was hoping to find the old trail so I could cut an hour of time. I found it without any problem and had no trouble following it. The trail has very many blowdowns but they are very manageable. I lost the trail when it crosses Frosty Creek at 3100ft. Instead of backtracking to find it, I thought it is less than a 100ft why bother. Well there is good reason that the trail continues on downstream before crossing the Icicle. The area is extremely brushy and swampy, not to mention it is difficult to find easy going once the Icicle has been crossed. I did finally manage to find the trail on the other side. I very thankfully started the long dusty way out. I ended up getting out near the same time as I would have if I would have stayed on the new trail. So much for saving an hour!

We made a 4 day trip out of hiking into the Mormon Lakes region via the Frosty Creek trail and out the Chatter Creek trail.

We camped two nights at Lake Mary and one night near Lake Edna. The bugs were moderately bad at Lake Mary but not a problem elsewhere. The flowers, particularly between Lake Mary and Mary Pass, are exquisite. The weather was also dry when it was raining in Seattle August 9 and 10. We could see the Square Lake fire (in fact, we phoned it in from Mary Pass the morning of August 8, though USFS might have already spotted it) but were safely across the Icicle Creek valley from it.

The trails are in great shape. The only snow encountered was in the flat part of the trail in Index Basin just north of the climb (in our direction) over Icicle Ridge to Chatter Creek.

We had relative solitude Thursday and Friday, seeing no one between French Creek and Lake Mary, where there was one other camper both nights. There was considerable horse scat on the Icicle and Frosty trails but we didn't encounter any horses. We saw only a wilderness ranger and a pair of hikers between Lake Mary and Lake Edna, but then saw several parties near Lake Edna Saturday, had one party camped near us there, and saw scores of folks hiking up the Chatter Creek trail on Sunday.

We were happy with our choice of route. Although the first day was pretty long (2+ miles longer than pre-1992), the rerouted Frosty Creek trail is well constructed and gains altitude efficiently but not nearly as abruptly as the Chatter Creek trail. For what it's worth, when I inquired into using the old route and possibly finding a footlog near the old bridge site, the forest ranger informed me that the old trail is closed for revegetation and therefore not a legal option. Coming out Chatter Creek is a real knee-pounder, but it was worth it to make a loop rather than a there-and-back.

Went and hiked 4th of July Creek with a couple of buddies today. We started out at about 8:30, 9:00ish with clouds and nice cool weather. Damn that was a great experience given the 90 degree heat at the top of Dickerman yesterday. Well anyway, the trail up to the ridge is in good shape. It's too bad you can't check steep as one of the warnings/trail flags (things to watch out for), cause well this one is what.....4800 hundred feetish in 5 miles. Anyway the views of the Enchantment Peaks, Stuart and the rest of the Stuart Range were great, as well as the views of Glacier peak on the other side of the Pass. Once you get to the pass (it will be obvious (with trail signs, flatter ground, grass and everything)) you have options. You can either turn westward (left) and hike up to the lookout where i'm sure even more killer views await, or you can bear Eastward towards Leavenworth. Please be aware though, you cannot actually see Leavenworth from the pass, but it's there, really, just don't rely on it as a landmark. We turned towards Leavenworth (East), and although we couldn't actually see it, the map AND compass told us it was there (just TWO of the ten essentials). Anyway, after doing a little bit of trail running on Icicle Ridge, which was, for my achy legs, a bit of a challenge, but I managed. The trail on the ridge is beautiful, the devestation from fire and what not has left the area remarkable barren, and almost makes it other-worldly. We skooted our buts the nine miles out the Icicle Creek trail, which is in need of some serious lopping. Other than the lopping though the trail is nice, and well graded. There's not a patch of snow anywhere on the ridge or the supplementing trails. Great way to spend a sunday. I would recommend taking a buddy and two cars. Park one at the Icicle Creek Trail head, and take the other one nine more miles up the Road to the 4th of July Creek trail head, make it a 15 mile loop, and buy yourself some nice cold homemade ice-cream on the way out.

Hiked the steep as heck Chatter creek trail to the ridge crest in good shape then encountered snow on the backside in the basin- pretty heavy across the switchbacks, but not too steep as to impede progress in light hikers with poles. Route finding was dicey in the waning light but we eventually found our way up to lake Edna, which was snow-bound except for a 20' hole. We kick-stepped up to Ladies Pass to try and do a loop into the next drainage and back around to Chatter creek trail, but the switchbacks down from the pass were under many feet of snow still and it is very steep. Beyond that it looks fine- so bring an axe and heavy boots and you'll be fine. Could see a lake (either Brigham or Flora) below that was totally snow-free. We turned around and camped on snow at Edna, returning the next day down Chatter creek. It's a bit bushy in parts but overall in good shape. Some short parts where the runoff is coming down the trail and it's pretty slick. It was very windy at Ladies pass. The stars were awesome. So was the swimming in Icicle Creek before & after at our favorite swimming hole :)

Well, this hike occurred because I was ""saddled"" with a sore and could not do the Apple Century, a lovely bike ride up the east side of the Columbia to Chelan and around a bit of the lake and then back on the west side of the Columbia.

So while friends did that ride with hundreds of others, I had the 4th of July, Icicle Ridge Traverse entirely to myself.

It was sublime but boy is there more elevation gain than I was anticipating since I really did not look at the Topo Maps till I got to the junction at the top of the ridge. Well, it was unplanned so that's the way it goes.

The trail climbs rather steadily but with an early start and some friendly clouds, it was shady and dappled for much of the way up. I thought I had made it when it was the first ""false"" ridge. The second false ridge quickly followed while the real ridge took more time.

But while below it I could only think that the needles from the burned out trees were still stuck to their branches as I could not explain the glimmer.

Turns out that all the trees atop the ridge were rimed. It was splendid. I guess the rain and fog the day before met the cold air at around 6,800-7,000 feet and frosted the pines and firs and they were all decked out in icy, crystaline spendor. It was shattering as I got to the ridge around 10:30am or so but was still chilly enough that most of it still clung to the needles but there was shards of rime under many of the trees.

Before hitting the top, I passed a spring which was churning out water outside of the pipe driven into the bank. But I wanted to reach the junction and figured snow banks would tide me over for additional water.

At the junction the views were terrific in all directions and the many snow banks added to the scenic value as well as replenishing my water.

It was here that I finally pulled out the map and decided to run the ridge trail back toward the Leavenworth direction, figuring I would either hitch back the 10 miles to my car or into town and get my biking friends to take me back to my car. I calculated that the ridge portion without the descent back into Leavenworth was 4-5 miles and the drop probably another 4. (when I arrived in the parking lot, it noted that the 4th of July junction was 9 miles so my reckoning was not bad. And now looking at the hikes book, they estimate that July trail at 5-6 miles)

The trail ran through some of the snow patches but was easy to follow as most were not wider than 50-100 feet. The trail rises and falls as it follows the ridge line back in the Leavenworth direction. I would guess that the day was a bit over 5,000 feet of gain. Passed a weather station, I guess with solar power. There were a lot of burned, park-like stands of trees. I contemplated the fact that there would not be much new shade up there for the remainder of my life. The fire really did a job on so many relatively isolated pockets of trees.

The clouds, and snow patches made the hike much more scenic than I would expect it would be much later in the year. There were also a wide variety of wildflowers including avalanche lilies, my favorite SHOOTING STARS, wildrose, balsam root, I think ""cat-ear"" lilies, penstemon, lupin and others. The trail drops into pocket creeks that added their sounds and glimmer in a number of locations and passes two small ponds/tarns. I would guess most of these might dry up over a warm eastside summer. I think I serendipitously picked the right time to do this combo trail.

As the trail starts to drop, it goes through some eroded areas and was a bit sketchy for the down route. There were some tennis ball size cairns of two rocks in some places but in others I did stop to figure out the route. And then it drops much more slowly than the 4th of July trail climbs which my knees probably appreciated. But it took forever to drop the 5,000+ feet back down to the Icicle Ridge trailhead. The trailhead is about 1,000 feet lower than the 4th of July one, providing another reason to run it the way I did (G)

There are some great views out toward the Columbia, down to Leavenworth and some interesting perspectives on Highway 2 and the river. Stuart and peaks were clearly visible.

While there were two other cars at the start, the hikers must have gone the other way. I never saw anybody the entire day. It was a TERRIFIC substitute for the 100 mile bike ride. It was really peaceful. I'd do it again without question.

Went up Icicle Ridge trail from Leavenworth and out 4th of July trail. Except for snow banks in a few areas, this trail is in good shape. It has been worked on since last year. Snow banks cover the trail in sections in Powerhouse Cr. and at top of ridge from junction of Icicle Ridge trail and 4th of July trail, eastward for about 1/2 mile to high point on ridge. All deadfalls have been removed. A few muddy spots. No problem with insects as day was cooler with breeze (and a thunderstorm).

I wanted to hike up Icicle Ridge and the weather was questionable but it looked the same for the weekend so I went for it. There are large floral displays in the first two miles, mostly lupine and arnica but also others. Fortunately the trail condition is excellent as the climb is relentless. I reached the ridge crest east of the old lookout site at 6800 ft and had a momentary view of Glacier Pk to the northwest before it started to rain steadily. I had wanted to photograph some panoramas of the Stuart Range peaks to the south. The peaks were sharply defined against a cloudy sky on the way up and now they were obscured in gray and not particularly photogenic. Another time. After a quick snack I descended to a sheltered spot in the trees for lunch. Despite the weather it was an excellent,interesting and enjoyable hike. 10.6 miles round trip, 4500 ft elev. gain, 2 hrs 40 mins up.