Trail Description:
To do this ride as a loop, park at the Icicle ridge trailhead, and ride 8 miles up Icicle river road to the 4th of July trailhead. Now you will have to climb almost 5000 feet to get to the top of Icicle ridge. Expect to carry your bike for a mile or two. The rest you can either push or try to ride. Either way the climb is brutal.
Once you get on the ridge, the views of Stewart Range are incredible. The descent is totally rideable but somewhat sketchy in places - lot's of rocks and some brush.
How to get there:
If you take US2 from Seattle to Leavenworth, turn left on Icicle river road at the first gas station. The Icicle ridge trail head (where you park your car) is about 2 miles up that road on the right.
Additional Notes:
Make sure you have enough water. There is no water on the ridge
| Posted by: Marsue on 1/16/2012 |
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I'm out of lgeaue here. Too much brain power on display!
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| Posted by: Kevin on 9/17/2010 |
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4th of July trail is a little overgrown in some areas, Icicle ridge is an overgrown game trail/creekbed complete waste of time even with the awesome view on top of the ridge. I won't go back. The last 2 miles of Icicle ridge was clear and fun. Recomend just doing an out n back on the Icicle ridge ride up till you get to where the trail gets overgrown and turn around to do a fun downhill.
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| Posted by: Weekend warrior on 7/28/2008 |
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My wife and I did this with a friend the other day. Absolutely incredible ride and the scenery was outrageous. We shuttled up to the start at 4th of July, started at 8 am and was on top of the ridge by 11:30. We were in the shade most of the way up. The upper stretches were tough at times...we shouldered our bikes occasionally. The ride down however was totally worth it...the trail was easy to follow, it rolled well and the sights were incredible. It was tight and technical at times, but my wife has only been on a mtn bike for a year and had a blast on the downhill (despite having to tripold or walk some of the more technical parts). 2 1/2 hour or so down.
Definitely not to be missed if you are up for the adventure!
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| Posted by: Wonko on 10/8/2007 |
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I agree that going up 4th of July creek is arduous and one should carry sufficient water. However, the approach offers great views which make you forget the workout. Once on the ridge it is mainly downhill. A strong rider can finish this loop in about six hours and enjoy a truely sweet, fast, and not too technical downhill.
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| Posted by: Gearz on 8/22/2003 |
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I did this loop in early July this year- was able to ride up the lower and upper sections of Fourth of July trail but the middle third is indeed brutal-the hardest hike a bike I've ever done. I can't imagine turning around after all that effort because the reward of the ten mile 5700' vertical descent down Icicle Ridge is definitely worth it. Don't try this one on a hot day and get an early start. You might instead consider trying the Icicle Ridge trail for an out and back ride, if you can't ride up the first 2.5 miles of the smooth well graded steep trail you will definitely be pushing for the next four miles or so but the riding and scenery are exceptional on the ridge. One can ride out the ridge to the Wilderness boundary and back, an exceptional 22 mile out and back for strong riders.
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| Posted by: Greek Bastard on 8/14/2003 |
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I probably spent 3 hours trying to push my bike up the 4th of July trail. I am in relatively good shape and finally had to quit about 3/4 of the way to the top. I went through a water bottle and 100oz of water while also enjoying golf ball size blisters trying to climb up the kooky steep trail. Depressing to have endured so much and not even reach the ridge. Be warned.......
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