Icicle Gorge Loop Trail

Icicle Gorge Loop Trail is located on a forest service road in Leavenworth, Washington. You will not have service on this road, so make sure that you download an offline map beforehand or bring a physical map with you. This loop makes for a fantastic family hike or beginner hike because it only has 150 feet of elevation gain over the course of 4.2 miles. The hike loops around Icicle Creek with a couple of bridges connecting the trail. It is one of the most peaceful hikes I have ever done because you can hear the gentle roar of Icicle Creek throughout the entirety of the hike. I have completed the entire hike once in the summer. I attempted to do this hike a second time with my boyfriend in the spring, but it started to rain, and we were not prepared so we didn’t finish it.

During my two visits I saw many different wildflowers such as lupines and orange paintbrush. There seemed to be a little more flowers in the warmer weather of summer than the wet environment of spring.

Aside from the gorgeous wildflowers, there are breathtaking views of Icicle Creek from three bridges connecting the loop. A rust-colored bridge connects the east end of the trail, a small wooden bridge crosses a tiny creek on the south side of the trail, and Upper Icicle Creek Bridge connects the west end of the trail. The east bridge is a popular one for people to stop at. There is a small parking lot right above this bridge for those whose only destination is the bridge and not the entire loop.

The west Upper Icicle Creek Bridge is part of Icicle Forest Service 7600 Road. This road connects you to many different trails and campgrounds. When you cross this bridge, you will be walking through Rock Island Campground, one of the quaintest campgrounds I’ve ever seen. The trail connects on either side of this bridge and there will be signs pointing you to the continuation of the trail.

The north side of the trail between the parking lot and Upper Icicle Creek Bridge winds along Icicle Creek atop small, jagged cliffs. The views from this section of the trail are my favorite. Be careful near the edges. If you fall into the creek, you will quickly be swept away as the current is very swift along Icicle Creek.

Note for the reader: I share these locations so that others can see beautiful places and enjoy nature as much as I do. Please be respectful of the outdoors and what condition it is in when you visit. Don’t go off trail, leave no trace, and pack out what you came in with.