Hatchery Creek
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
Rugged, relentless climb through fire-scarred terrain to the Cascade high country, connecting to Lake Augusta and the Icicle Ridge system.
About This Trail
Hatchery Creek Trail gains 1,219 meters over 10.5 km of steep, brushy, primitive trail. A wildfire roughly a decade ago left the upper sections exposed and littered with blowdown. Trip reports consistently describe this trail as one of the rougher maintained routes in the Leavenworth area, with extensive downed trees, overgrown brush, and route-finding challenges above treeline.
The trail connects to the Badlands Trail at about 5 km and intersects Icicle Ridge Trail at roughly 10.5 km. Most hikers use it as an access route to Lake Augusta or as part of multi-day loops through the Chiwaukum high country. The upper basin opens into alpine meadows with wildflowers and lake views that justify the effort getting there.
The access road (FR 7905) may not be passable in standard passenger vehicles. No parking pass is required. This trail demands comfort with primitive conditions: expect to climb over, under, and around downed trees for extended stretches. Carry extra water, as reliable sources are sparse in the burn zone.
Forecast
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Day 1: Hiked up Chiwaukum Creek through the burn area, which was hot and exposed and quite brushy in spots.”
Last report: Jun 2, 2026
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended; water reflection adds glare near the lake
Persistent Hazards
- extensive blowdown from wildfire
- overgrown brush
- route-finding challenges in burn zone
- limited water sources in upper burn section
- rough access road
Getting There
Small trailhead at the end of FR 7905. No parking pass required. Road may require high clearance.
From Leavenworth, drive west on Highway 2 about 9 miles and turn onto FR 7905 (signed for Hatchery Creek). Continue 2 miles to the trailhead. The road surface may not be passable in standard passenger vehicles. The trail climbs steeply from the start with no flat warm-up.
Start early. The sustained climb and blowdown navigation slow progress significantly. Budget more time than the distance suggests.
Recent Reports
As of right now I dont reccomend this trail to anyone in their right mind. That being said, if youre looking for a trail that your more likely to see a bear or a cougar rather than a person and willing to navigate through heavy brush taller than you obscuring the trail while also hoping around over, under, and around the hundreds(literally) down trees, well then keep reading.
Lots of recent trip reports call out the huge number of blowdowns on the trail due a wildfire 10 years ago. BUT: the first 1.
Wasn't sure about doing Big Jim at first with the smoke forecast and the fact that Hatchery Creek trail is infamous for its gazillion blowdowns. We decided to try for it anyway.
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