Hiking the Icicle River Trail near Leavenworth, Washington

Hikers like myself typically reward ourselves with a nice cold beer after a long day of hiking. But every so often a reversal transpires and a long day of drinking results in needing to take a hike.

In the Bavarian-themed city of Leavenworth, Washington the beer flows like the mighty Rhine river of Germany, so after stuffing your gut with beer and giant pretzels take a short flat hike along the Icicle River Trail.

With little elevation gain and a well-kept trail, this is an easy hike for all ages and levels of varying sobriety. While the most satisfying time to tackle the short trail is in the winter season with snow on the ground and snowshoes on your feet, this is a year-round trail that you can do in any weather system.

To start your hike head to the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery. Take a peek inside and then head straight back towards the tall pine trees where you can begin your nature walk.

Leavenworth Fish Hatchery

To get to the trailhead you have to walk through the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery. While not exactly a hopping tourist attraction, the hatchery allows you to get your knowledge on and see the growth cycle of salmon up close.

This was once the largest hatchery in the United States, so there is a lot to explore. Walk around to the nursery, peer into the adult holding ponds, and take a gander at the fish ladder. Most of these are still operating from its opening in 1939.  Millions of fish have been raised at the hatchery over the years. If you have ever caught a fish on the Wenatchee River you can now say you have seen that fish’s childhood home.

You won’t encounter many trophy fish in the winter time. In fact, the fishery gets a bit creepy as it looks abandoned left with only a few full tanks of juvenile fish. If you want to see the hatchery in all its glory with monster salmon that would make a fisherman’s knees tremble go in the Spring or Summer. However, winter is the best time to hike the Icicle River Trail which if you remember correctly is why you are actually here.

Icicle River Trail

If there is no snow in Leavenworth the trail leaves a lot to be desired. It was clearly built with snowshoers and cross-country skiers in mind. But since you can’t control the weather, just make the best out of it. If anything, you’ll get off the couch and get some exercise.

From the gate continue over the bridge and take a look at the water feature to your right. I know this serves some sort of purpose for the fish but I can’t help but think it looks an awful lot like a waterslide. Once you have resisted the sliding urge to hop the fence and commit a felony you will finish crossing the bridge and look for a dirt path.

Follow the nature trail as it winds in and out of the evergreen trees. If birds are your thing, there are plenty of signs advising you to keep an eye out for particular species. Eventually, the trail returns to a gravel road which you can follow back to the trailhead.

Overall

Don’t set your expectations too high for this hike. While the hatchery adds some value the Icicle River Trail is short and is more of a place to get outside and stretch your legs rather than a destination hike.

Trail Tips

• Wait for Snow and bust out the snowshoes.
• Bring a friend, the hatchery is creepy if you’re all by yourself.

Chad Albright

Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.