Icicle Creek
2 -Johnny Creek to Snow Creek trailhead
| Difficulty | V |
| Length | 7.5 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 125 fpm |
| Gauge | Icicle Creek Above Snow Creek Near Leavenworth, Wa |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 820 cfsrunnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | February 27, 2026 |
Projects
The Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests encompass more than four million acres and are jointly managed with headquarters in Wenatchee, Washington. The rivers flowing through these forests are essential to the whitewater paddling community—both as close-to-home runs for Washington residents and as classic objectives for paddlers traveling from across [...]Read More
River Description
The Middle Icicle Creek run is a classic expert creek, really more of a river, pioneered in the 1960's but with challenging sections that have been tackled more recently. Beautiful granite boulders, impressive alpine scenery, and great riverside camping make this a run locals consider lucky to have in their back yard, while those on their Pacific Northwest road trips make it a scheduled stop. The Icicle Creek Road parallels the length of this run and most of the land along the river is publically owned so you have several options for accessing the river and putting together a run appropriate for your set of skills and the time available. Camping is also plentiful along this river at one of several National Forest campgrounds but during the spring boating season, paddlers, rock climbers, and mountain bikers all call this valley their outdoor playground making this a very busy place (Memorial Day weekend can be particularly crowded).
Although the traditional dividing point between the Upper and Middle run is Ida Creek, most put in at Johnny Creek Campground to skip some of the class III warm up. Those looking for maximum adrenaline also run the section below Eight Mile Campground as a run by itself.
From Johnny Creek Campground the river builds to class IV and just as the intensity starts to pick up you're at the first major horizon line. Roadside Attraction is a series of ledges than can be scouted from the road (mile 9.8). The typical line is to hit the first one on river right and then take the rest straight down the center. From river level, it's an easy scout or portage along river right. Look good for the spectators who will notice you from the road and stop to watch.
Just below this drop, the river picks up in intensity for about half a mile of constant class IV+ action. You should be able to boat scout this section. Keep your eyes open for wood hazards and avoid (or crash through) the holes. This section ends where the river tapers offf sl
...River Features
Johnny Creek Campground Put-in
From Highway 2 mile 99.1 (the west end of Leavenworth) turn on to Icicle Creek Road. Johnny Creek Campground is at mile 11.2. Several sites in the campground provide convenient river access but if they are all full, you can find a good access at a mini beach between sites 5 and 6 that avoids walking through someone's campsite. Icicle Creek quickly builds to class IV downstream of this access point.
Bridge Creek Campground Access
From Highway 2 mile 99.1 (the west end of Leavenworth) turn on to Icicle Creek Road. Bridge Campground is at mile 8.4 on Icicle Creek Road. You can access the river at the Forest Road 7601 Bridge. A challenging class V+ rapid awaits just downstream of this access.
Eightmile Campground Access
From Highway 2 mile 99.1 (the west end of Leavenworth) turn on to Icicle Creek Road. Eight Mile Campground is at mile 7.0 on Icicle Creek Road. Downstream of this access point you enter solid class V territory. Be prepared to carefully scout and choose your take-out wisely while being mindful of private property.
Snow Creek Trailhead Take-Out
From Highway 2 mile 99.1 (the west end of Leavenworth) turn on to Icicle Creek Road. The Snow Creek Trailhead is at mile 4.1.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportThis is the most significant rapid
between Ida Creek and Bridge
Creek. Scout from the road at mile
9.2 where you see a large bedrock
face between the road and the river
with a pullout. The typical line is to
take the right chute at the top then
move to the left.
Looking down the valley at the
middle section of Icicle Creek.
Video footage from the Twitch
series, featuring runs from
Washington and around the world.
Available through the [books & videos link](http://
www.americanwhitewater.org/library/
).