Whatchya doing this weekend? Might I suggest you take a little trip over to Leavenworth?
I made a quick trip over there this week and it was delightful.
Because of the low snow levels this year, many trails are hikeable right now at much higher elevations than normal.
I wanted to see flowers and views, so I headed up the Icicle Ridge Trail. It’s just outside Leavenworth, so very convenient for a day trip if you’re coming from Snohomish County. No extra driving.
The trail is roughly 4.5 miles roundtrip, with 1,800 feet of gain. Even if you hike slowly, you’ll have time for this trail.
The trail gives you a few minutes to warm up with some flat areas and gentle climbing. Then it settles into a steady series of switchbacks. The trail is beautifully made. It’s smooth and even, which is handy, as you can watch the flowers rather than your feet.
Arrowleaf balsamroot and lupine are both blooming all over the trail. They’re gorgeous. I spent a lot of time admiring them. I also spent a lot of time trying to get a good look at the birds flitting everywhere. The trees were alive with at least three different types of warblers, juncos and a few others I couldn’t ID. The warblers were all yelling their spring songs.
The trail climbs up a south facing slope, so it’s pretty warm, although there are many patches of shade along the way.
As you climb, you get a lovely view down into Icicle Creek valley. Once you reach the top of the ridge, take a right. You’ll drop down into a saddle and then come back up to an excellent viewpoint. From here, you can see down into Leavenworth. On one side is Icicle Creek Valley and on the other the Wenatchee River, which U.S. 2 follows before reaching Leavenworth.
It’s a fascinating viewpoint. I loved the bird’s eye view of the whole valley. I really got a good sense of how the whole area is connected and how the different valleys come together.
If you feel like a longer trip, return to where the trail reached the ridge. The trail here continues to climb up the ridge. It’s a clear trail, but not as wide as the rest of the trail. You can go for miles here, although you’ll hit snow at some point. Stop in at the ranger station in downtown Leavenworth for a map and to get an update on the snow conditions.
They can also recommend many other hikes in the area.
To get there
Heading east on U.S. 2, turn right (south) on Icicle Road just before you enter Leavenworth. After 1.5 miles, turn right. There is a trailhead sign. Take an immediate left at the next road. Look for the small paper signs on trees pointing you toward the parking lot. No parking pass required.
Make it a day trip
If you just have a day, you can easily get to and from Snohomish County and still have time for a hike up Icicle Ridge. On your way in the morning, stop at Sultan Bakery for a treat. Of if you just need some coffee, Espresso Chalet, on U.S. 2 past the turnoff to Index, is always worth a visit. They have great coffee, with a huge number of options to customize your drink. As an added bonus, part of “Harry and the Hendersons” was filmed here.
If you want to stretch your legs and use the restroom, try Deception Falls, which is on the left before you start to really climb up Stevens Pass. There’s a gorgeous falls after a very short walk.
On the way back, find a spot to eat in Leavenworth. There are, of course, many. Or stop at Wallace Falls Cafe in Gold Bar. I’m a huge fan of their Vietnamese sandwich with tofu. At just under $5, it’s a deal.
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