French Creek
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
A long through-route crossing the Alpine Lakes Wilderness from Icicle Creek to Cle Elum River via Paddy-Go-Easy Pass.
About This Trail
French Creek is less a single destination and more a corridor through the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Starting from the Icicle Creek trailhead, the route climbs gently along French Creek for miles through forest, then ascends to Paddy-Go-Easy Pass near the 12-mile mark before dropping steeply to Cle Elum River Road on the far side. It crosses the county line at the pass and links up with half a dozen other trails along the way.
The trail's real value is as a connector. Junctions at French Ridge (3.5 miles), Snowall Creek (4.6 miles), the Klonaqua Lakes turnoff (5.5 miles), and Meadow Creek (9.2 miles) open up dozens of loop and through-hike combinations. Experienced backpackers use it as the spine of multi-day itineraries linking the Icicle Creek drainage to the Cle Elum side.
Be warned: this trail sees less maintenance than the popular routes. Sections get brushy, and trip reports consistently note overgrown conditions. The bridge over French Creek 1.5 miles up Icicle Creek Trail has been reported broken and unsafe. Check current conditions before committing. Dogs are allowed on leash.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“For reference purposes Day 1 from Jack Trout TH to junction of Meadow Creek/French Creek was about 14.”
Last report: Aug 2, 2025
Scorecard
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- French Creek bridge reported broken and unsafe to cross
- very brushy trail sections due to limited maintenance
- bridgeless creek crossings may be impassable in spring
- route-finding required in overgrown sections
Getting There
Start from Icicle Creek trailhead (about 20 spaces, Northwest Forest Pass required). If doing a through-hike, you need a car shuttle or pickup at Cle Elum River Road/Forest Road 4330 on the far side.
From Leavenworth, take Icicle Road about 16 miles to the trailhead. Start on Icicle Creek Trail for 1.5 miles to the French Creek junction, then turn left. The trail parallels French Creek through forest with junctions at French Ridge, Snowall Creek, Klonaqua Lakes, and Meadow Creek before climbing to Paddy-Go-Easy Pass. The final 3 miles descend steeply to Cle Elum River Road.
Most parties use this as a multi-day backpacking route. A car shuttle makes the through-hike work. If doing an out-and-back to explore the corridor, an early start gives you time to reach one of the side-trail junctions.
Recent Reports
Hiked to Upper Klonaqua Lake for some weekend fishing with the dogs. A great time!
My fellow sawyer, Greg M. and I, hiked over Paddy-Go-Easy pass and down to the other side of the pass to the intersection with the Meadow Creek trail #1559 on our way to meet up with a Backcountry Horsemen(BCH) work party.
Backcountry Horsemen did some major brushing along this trail about 4-6 miles in. This trail is now much safer for both hikers and stock.
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