Jack Pine Trail
Central CascadesBest Jun–Oct
A creekside walk through Icicle Gorge, often hiked as the mellow finish to the 25-mile Ladies Loop.
About This Trail
Jack Pine Trail follows Icicle Creek through the gorge between Black Pine and Rock Island campgrounds in the Leavenworth area. The route parallels rushing water through a forested corridor, with wildflowers in early summer giving way to berries by August. It serves as both a standalone creekside walk and a segment of the much longer Ladies Loop, a 25-mile backpacking circuit that climbs to Lake Edna, Ladies Pass, and Upper Florence Lake.
Most trip reports describe Jack Pine as part of the Ladies Loop rather than an out-and-back hike. On its own, the trail is a mellow walk at about 2,700 feet elevation with minimal gain. As part of the loop, it becomes the easy valley-floor finish after days of ridge walking and lake camping. The Chatter Creek section of the loop is notably steep and overgrown, so counterclockwise is the preferred direction.
The trail shares its trailhead area with the Icicle Gorge Nature Loop, which is a shorter, more accessible option for families or anyone wanting a quick taste of the gorge scenery.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Trail reports from summer 2025 note the Chatter Creek section remains overgrown with a steep climb. The Jack Pine segment itself is in reasonable shape. Bugs are present in July. Road to trailhead is passable in a sedan with some potholes to navigate.
“Somewhat overgrown on Chatter Creek as usual (with a steep climb).”
Last report: Aug 9, 2025
Scorecard
Weekday use is very low. Weekends bring moderate traffic from campers at nearby campgrounds. The Ladies Loop attracts a small number of experienced backpackers.
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- Chatter Creek section of the Ladies Loop is steep and routinely overgrown
- Bear country: proper food storage required
Getting There
From US 2 at Leavenworth, take Icicle Creek Road (FR 76) for 15.3 miles. Pavement ends at 12.3 miles. Trailhead is on the left past Chatter Creek Guard Station at 2,700 feet.
Recent Reports
Hiked Ladies Loop counterclockwise, parking at Rock Island and camping at Upper Florence Lake. Road was fine in a sedan - some potholes you can avoid.
A packed overnighter on the Ladies Loop -- 25 miles, +6500feet, counterclockwise. Somewhat overgrown on Chatter Creek as usual (with a steep climb).
We did this as a 3-day, 2-night back from the Jack Trout Trailhead. This was a beautiful trip, but I’d recommend against doing this as a loop it for most people, because of the stretch between Bootjack and the Snowall-Cradle Lake trail.
Similar Hikes
