Icicle Ridge Lookout - Leavenworth Hiking Trails

Icicle Ridge is the high and long ridge north of the Enchantments near Leavenworth. The highest point is an amazing viewpoint for the region where you can view the transition between the lush forests to the west and the drier more sparse trees to the east. This trail is known for snake encounters, also for its steep grind and the open slopes that get hot. Although there are these issues, the panoramic view of the former lookout site on the summit makes up for the work getting there. Enjoy identifying the peaks of the Chiwaukum, Entiat to the Stuart ranges and all the peaks & valleys between.

The Fourth of July Creek Trail is the fastest route up climbing nearly a vertical mile on switchbacks. The south-facing slope melts out early in the season, but so do people when the temperature is hot. A fire has burned most of the trees but some survived with just a burn scar. The trail will be gradual at first before it finds where it wants to start climbing. After that, its just up the hill until you reach the 6,775 foot ridge top. From there, you take a left on the Icicle Ridge Trail until you see the summit rocks. The average hiker can get to within 20 feet of the summit. If you want to climb up, a route through the rocks gets you close, than a short rock climb reaches the top. A bar sticks out of the summit and a runner or piece of rope works well to lasso the bar and give you something to hold for the final few feet.

The site was first established with a camp in 1914. The lookout patrolman at this camp in 1923 "decided it was too lonesome a job to hold alone and thought it a nice place for a honeymoon, so one night after work he went to Leavenworth, got married, and returned to his place of duty at 5 o'clock the next morning. He made the remark that he was going to show his wife what real roughing it means. During the recent heavy electric storm in this part of the country his word was more than made good, as the tent in which they were living was struck by lightning and both were stunned and knocked quite a distance from their beds. They regained consciousness and during the worst part of the storm stumbled and groped their way to the bottom of the mountain and into town, where they could get help. Mr. Gowing, the lookout, was burned the full length of his spine and is confined to the hospital for a while. Mrs. Gowing did not suffer any bad effects and is around, probably feeling that the thrills of real roughing it are more ideal in anticipation than realization. C.J.C." (Six Twenty-Six)

In 1929, 48 loads of lumber were carried by horse up the steep trail to the lookout site. A D-6 cupola cabin was built. Lasted until 1966.