The entire Icicle Ridge Trail is 29.6 miles long, gains 6100 total feet of elevation, and provides access to Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The first 3 miles of this trail provides a good day hike, climbing quickly from Icicle Ridge Trailhead to the ridgeline and offering views into the lower Icicle Creek valley. The trail continues to climb along the ridge until it reaches a junction with Fourth of July Creek Trail #1579, at about 9.0 miles. The trail keeps heading north, following the ridgeline and the wilderness boundary, then descends the north side of the ridge to drop down to Cabin Creek. From here, the trail climbs again to the ridge on the other side of Cabin Creek and follows it northeast to the junction with Hatchery Creek Trail #1577. Icicle Ridge Trail continues east, ascending and descending until it reaches Lake Augusta, where there are several clear campsites. From here, the trail switchbacks down 2.2 miles to Carter Lake, which is also the junction with Painter Creek Trail # 1575. The trail continues east past Carter Lake, descending rocky switchbacks and old-growth forest, until the junction with Index Creek Trail #1572. Then the trail climbs quickly and steeply to meet up with Chatter Creek Trail # 1580 and reaches Lake Edna shortly after. There are several well-established (although very exposed to the wind) campsites here. Icicle Ridge Trail is well-marked here and climbs the rocky hillside to Ladies Pass, then drops down steadily to Frosty Pass, passing Florence Lakes and Lake Mary along the way, all of which have some excellent campsites. There are several established horse camps northeast of Frosty Pass along Icicle Ridge Trail, but after about 1.0 mile from Frosty Pass, the trail is designated as unmaintained, and as such becomes brushier and harder to follow. The trail drops down across meadowy slopes and through old-growth forest, until it ends at Doelle Lakes, at a junction with Chain Lakes Trail # 1569. Water sources are limited for the first 14 miles of trail, between the Icicle Ridge Trailhead and Cabin Creek.
The trail is not maintained beyond Frosty Pass. Water sources are limited in the first 14 miles of trail from the Icicle Ridge Trailhead to Cabin Creek.
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
To hike This trail begins at the Icicle Ridge Trailhead located 1-1/2 miles up the Icicle Creek Road #7600 from Leavenworth. The trail ends at the Chain Lakes Trail #1569.
page created by HAZ_Hikebot on Mar 09 2010 5:29 pm
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