Hikeoftheweek.com

Quick Facts

Location: Central Cascades

Land Agency: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Roundtrip: 12.0 miles

Elevation Gain: 4,700 feet

Notes: NW Forest Pass required; rattlesnakes are common along lower portions of trail.

Green Trails Map: Chiwaukum MTs - No. 177

Contact: Wenatchee River Ranger District (Leavenworth); (509) 548-6977; www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee

More information: Day Hiking Central Cascades (The Mountaineers Books)

Access: From Leavenworth follow the Icicle Creek Road (FR 76) for 9.4 miles to trailhead located on your right.

Celebrate this Independence Day on the Fourth of July Creek Trail. After a landslide came crashing down off of Icicle Creek last month covering the Icicle Creek Road and closing access to this and many other trails and recreation sites; the Forest Service reopened the lower Icicle River Road today! You are now free to once again hike the Fourth of July Creek Trail. But be forewarned—you won’t be booming up this steep and hot path. This is a difficult hike that you’ll want to get an early start on it. The switchbacks are relentless traversing south facing slopes, taking the full brunt of the east side of the Cascade Crest sun. Be sure you take plenty of water along.

Start amidst some big pines and firs along Fourth of July Creek. Cross the creek twice and then begin to switchback like there’s no tomorrow up open slopes punctuated by massive ponderosa pines. In early season, marvel at dazzling wildflowers. In any season cherish the expanding views. At about 2.0 miles a spring may be bubbling—but don’t count on it. At about 3.5 miles the grade eases and the trail makes a long traverse before resuming to switchback.

At about 4.3 miles, pass another possibly flowing spring. Continue climbing through silver forest and rock gardens before making another long traverse. Across grassy slopes graced with whitebark pine make one final slog, coming to the 6,775-foot crest of Icicle Ridge and a trail junction at 5.7 miles. Now head left on the Icicle Ridge Trail for .2 mile to a junction signed “lookout site.” Head left once again and scramble 500 feet to within ten feet of the 7,029-foot former fire lookout site. The 1929-built lookout actually sat right on the rocky thumb. Don’t even think about it climbing it. Instead enjoy the amazing panoramic views right before you. Mission Ridge, the Entiat and Chelan Ranges, Glacier Peak, Poet Ridge, Big Jim, Grindstone, the Stuart Range and that big mountain right in front of you, Cashmere. What a view! Let freedom ring! Happy Independence Day!

Soon afterward enter a cool ravine that chatters with the sounds of cascading Heather Creek. Admire the old growth cedar giants lining the way—quite a contrast to the scrappy woods you first entered. Continue through the impressive woods and eventually reach the tranquil backcountry lake sitting snug in a semi-open cirque beneath Mount Pilchuck.

Fourth of July Creek is one of 125 hikes in Day Hiking Central Cascades (Mountaineers Books).