Frosty Pass

The Frosty Pass trail climbs from the Icicle Creek drainage over a 5,700-foot pass connecting the Icicle Creek and Chatter Creek drainages. Most hikers use it as part of the "Ladies Loop," a challenging 25-mile circuit that links Frosty, Mary, and Ladies passes through some of the best alpine lake country in the Central Cascades outside the Enchantments. Lake Margaret sits at about mile 4 with multiple campsites, and the pass itself opens to meadows and views before descending the far side.

The Chatter Creek approach from the south is notoriously overgrown and steep, a consistent complaint across trip reports spanning years. Blowdowns and burned blowdowns add to the difficulty, particularly on the Hatchery Creek section where route-finding and limited water compound the challenge. The Icicle Creek approach from the north is better maintained but still a serious undertaking.

Hikers looking for Enchantments-caliber scenery without the permit lottery will find it here, but the trail demands more from you. Chain and Doelle Lakes, reachable as a side trip, are highlights. This is a multi-day trip for fit, experienced backpackers comfortable with rough trail conditions and significant daily elevation changes. The reward-to-effort ratio is high for those who can handle the work.