Hiking in the great state of Washington is scenic and incredibly rewarding. However, most trails are 5+ miles long with 1,000+ feet elevation gain — making you work to earn the reward of gorgeous mountain, river, and alpine lake views. That said, it can be tricky to find a moderate, low-key hike for those days when you want to get outside but don’t have the energy to take on a steep incline.
Enter: the Icicle Gorge Trail in Leavenworth, Washington. This hike takes visitors on a loop slightly over 4 miles in length with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain. The trail is modest and rated as easy on AllTrails, but shouldn’t be disregarded as not worth it. While it might not be the most strenuous trail in the region, the hike is incredibly scenic. It follows Icicle Creek, offering picturesque river views with cascading mountains in the background. During the fall months, visitors can enjoy the yellow, red, and orange leaves on the surrounding vegetation. The path is well-defined, and visitors have the option to explore the loop clock- or counter-clockwise. Bonus: Six signs scattered throughout the trail provide facts about the vegetation growing in the area and the role every plant, tree, and bush plays in maintaining the ecosystem.
Getting to the Icicle Gorge trailhead
The Icicle Gorge trailhead is accessed from Icicle Road. Once you turn onto Icicle Road, drive straight until the route turns into a gravel forest service road. Follow that road before turning into a parking area at the trailhead. There are signs to help visitors find their way, making the trailhead relatively easy to find. The forest service road isn’t difficult to maneuver, so you don’t need a high-clearance vehicle or SUV to drive down that portion of the road. While the road gets narrow in certain areas, if you drive slowly and cautiously, you should be fine.
Note: The Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the Icicle Gorge trailhead. If you do not have the Northwest Forest Pass, the fee is $5.
Hiking the Icicle Gorge Trail
The Icicle Gorge Trail is easy to follow, and the forest surrounding the trail is dense and beautiful. It gets busy on the weekends in the summer and fall, but we never found the trail to be overpopulated to the point of being annoying.
Since the terrain is moderate and the trail has a minimal incline, the hike can be completed in hiking boots or sneakers. However, we recommend hiking boots as some areas can be muddy and wet (especially during the rainier parts of the year). As always, be sure to follow the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace while enjoying the Icicle Gorge Trail.
As far as wildlife goes, you can expect to see chipmunks, squirrels, and various birds on the hike. Black bears are not uncommon throughout the Leavenworth area of Washington, so remain bear-aware when enjoying the Icicle Gorge Trail — make plenty of noise, do not leave food in your vehicle, and consider carrying bear spray (especially if you’re hiking alone).
Pros vs. Cons: Icicle Gorge Trail in Leavenworth, Washington
Pros: This is a beautiful hike that doesn’t require a ton of effort. It’s simple yet incredibly scenic. The river is picturesque and swimmable — making it a fun place to hang out during a hot summer day. The trailhead has a large parking area that can accommodate plenty of vehicles. The trail is located near the town of Leavenworth, a Bavarian-themed mountain village that offers plenty of delicious eateries for a post-hike treat.
Cons: If you’re looking for a challenging, calorie-burning hike, this isn’t the one (check out the Icicle Ridge Trail instead). While the trail can get crowded during peak season (weekends during the summer and fall), we’ve never had an issue finding a parking spot and never felt like the trail was too crowded to enjoy. Overall, there aren’t many cons to the Icicle Gorge hike — it’s a great trail for people of all ages and athletic abilities.
Quick Icicle Gorge Trail FAQs:
Do I need a permit to hike the Icicle Gorge Trail?
No — hikers do not need a permit to hike the Icicle Gorge Trail. However, the Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead. If you do not have the Northwest Forest Pass, the fee is $5. There is a fee station in the parking area, but it’s currently out of service. Be sure to bring cash, so you can leave your $5 in an envelope at the trailhead.
Is there a restroom at the Icicle Gorge trailhead?
Yes — there is a restroom for all to use at the Icicle Gorge trailhead.
Does the Icicle Gorge Trail have cell reception?
No — cell reception is extremely limited in this area of Leavenworth. Therefore, when hiking the Icicle Gorge Trail, plan to not have any reception.
Is the Icicle Gorge Trail a kid-friendly hike?
Yes — the Icicle Gorge Trail is not overly long or strenuous, making it an excellent hike for the whole family.
How long does it take to hike the Icicle Gorge Trail?
The Icicle Gorge Trail is a little over 4 miles long and can take anywhere from 90 minutes to three hours to hike, depending on your athletic ability and group size. We typically spend two-ish hours doing this hike because we frequently stop to enjoy the view and snap photos.
What is the parking like for the Icicle Gorge Trail?
There is a large gravel parking lot at the Icicle Gorge trailhead that can fit approximately 50 cars.
Are dogs allowed on the Icicle Gorge Trail?
Yes — dogs are allowed on the Icicle Gorge Trail but should be leashed at all times.
The Traveling Worker 
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