Starting from the Icicle Gorge TH we looped Icicle Creek , Chain Lakes , Icicle Ridge and Chatter Creek Trails. No snow. Few bugs. Amazing views and lakes.
Day 1 – Icicle Gorge to French Creek Junction
From the Icicle Gorge TH we wound through towering western red cedars and shady forest, with gentle grades. The junction with the French Creek Trail offered inviting campsites, a privy, and a broken bridge that required a ford. Our camp at the Frosty - Wildhorse junction was flat, spacious, with good water access. Huckleberries lined much of the trail.
Day 2 – French Creek to Doelle Lakes
Crossed Icicle Creek by fording rather than risking the broken bridge, then climbed steeply through forest and brush thick with thimbleberry and devil’s club. The ascent gained about 2,000 feet in under two miles—tough but broken up by occasional gentler stretches. The Chain Lakes were rewarding stops: quiet, scenic, and set in rugged terrain. From there, the trail climbed over a pass with sweeping views of Glacier Peak and Mount Baker before dropping steeply toward Doelle Lakes. Campsites were limited, but a small spot at Lower Doelle Lake provided a good stop, with granite walls and plenty of huckleberries nearby.
Day 3 – Doelle Lakes to Upper Florence Lake
The route dropped through forest and meadows where wildflowers were mostly past peak, then climbed to a ridge with excellent views back toward Bulls Tooth. Frosty Pass itself lacked views, but the approach was scenic. A side trip to Lake Mary revealed alpine meadows and jagged ridges reminiscent of the Goat Rocks, with marmots calling from the rocks. From Mary’s Pass, the trail traversed toward Mary’s Peak, then descended to Upper Florence Lake. Smoke began drifting in during the evening, and strong winds made for a cold night.
Day 4 – Upper Florence Lake to Icicle Gorge via Ladies Pass and Chatter Creek
In calm morning air, the trail climbed above Upper Florence Lake with expansive views, then traversed around a cirque to Ladies Pass. A steep push led toward Cape Horn before dropping to Lake Edna, where even the backcountry toilet had a sweeping vista. From there, the trail traversed Icicle Ridge—characterized by white rock formations, big climbs and drops, and constant views. The descent toward Chatter Creek was steep but beautiful, transitioning into ponderosa pine forest near the road. The trip ended with a fast finish down the open forest to the trailhead.
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