Wednesday, June 7, 2017, was our first full day in Leavenworth, Washington. After having breakfast at a local deli with our neighbors, we drove into town and visited the Wenatchee National Forest Office to gather maps and hiking information. Our neighbors recommended the Icicle Gorge Trail and so did our waiter. The rangers at the Visitor's Center endorsed these recommendations. With map in hand, we struck out for the trailhead.
The trail was easy to follow, which gave us plenty of opportunities to look around.
We really had to crane our necks to see the tops of these lodgepole pines.
The trail crosses over the Icicle Creek. Here Kathy takes in the view.
The native name for Icicle Creek was Nasikelt. As pronounced this name sounds very similar to Icicle. Legend has it that early pioneers mistook the proper native name and interpreted it as Icicle. The name Icicle was established by USGS maps in the early 1900s.
With all the snow fall this winter, the river was raging. The icicle river attracts whitewater rafters and kayakers. However, this section is rated VI, so most of the kayakers start further down stream.
We found a nice scenic spot for lunch.
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As we relaxed and ate our sandwiches, we speculated on how that little rock came to rest on top of the bigger rock.
Next time we are in the area, we hope to explore the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. More than 700 lakes and mountain ponds dot the glacier-carved terrain of this wilderness. Tree covered valleys give way to rocky ridges and rugged peaks along the crest of the Cascades. Many peaks and slopes are permanently cloaked in snowfields. Looking up at the craggy peaks made us feel like we were back in the Alps.
After the wet winter, the wildflowers were popping out everywhere. Here's Kathy photo bombing Dave's beautiful flower photo.
The Icicle Gorge Trail is designated as a Washington State Birding Trail. We were lucky enough to see a Western Tanager.
Adult males have a bright red face and a yellow nape, shoulder, and rump, with black upper back, wings, and tail.
Our trail crossed back over Icicle Creek near the Rock Island Campground. From the bridge, we were able to get a photo of the famous rock island.
Here Kathy is helping with a little trail maintenance.
On our way back to the trailhead, we had to traverse a number of creeks. This was one of the more interesting.
The weatherman is calling for rain tomorrow morning, so we may end up spending the day exploring Leavenworth. Stay tuned.
it was a wonderful chance to visit this kind of site and I am happy to know. thank you so much for giving us a chance to have this opportunity.. trails near me
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