Icicle Gorge Nature Loop

The Icicle Gorge Nature Loop follows both sides of Icicle Creek through a forest of cedar, fir, and hemlock in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The trail is nearly flat, well-maintained, and threaded with six interpretive signs that explain the local ecology, from the cedar swamp sections to the geology of the gorge. Bridges cross Trout Creek, Jack Creek, and Boggy Creek, connecting the two halves of the loop.

This is a "go slow and pay attention" kind of hike. Pileated woodpeckers hammer in the big snags. Chipmunks and squirrels work the forest floor. The gorge itself is a narrow slot where the creek compresses and speeds up, carving through rock with real force. There are picnic benches scattered along the route, and the whole thing can be done in either direction. Counter-clockwise gives you the gorge section first.

The access road (Icicle Road / FR 7600) is paved for the first 12 miles out of Leavenworth, then turns to gravel for the last 3 miles. That gravel stretch can be rough, especially in spring, and it gets snowed in during winter. In late fall, the larch trees along the road and trail put on a good show. This trail closes effectively from December through April most years due to snow on the access road.