Icicle Creek
3 - Snow Creek trailhead to Leavenworth Hatchery
| Difficulty | IV+ |
| Length | 2.3 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 91 fpm |
| Gauge | Icicle Creek Above Snow Creek Near Leavenworth, Wa |
| Flow Rate as of 56 minutes | 1350 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 Lower Icicle Creek is a great short run that can be paddled as a warm up for those thinking about running the Middle Icicle Creek section or as a supplement to a day on the Wenatchee. You're always close to the road on this run so in a real emergency exiting the river on the left is possible, but most of the land is private so use discretion if you need this option.
The run starts at the Snow Creek trailhead. Looking upstream the river crashes through an impressive jumble of very large boulders. It's good fun to pick your imaginary lines through the maelstrom, and then scramble down the rocks to a put in as close to the base as you want (don't take the trail and put-in at the trail bridge or you will miss the first rapid).
The river kicks off right away with a great rapid that ends just under the trail bridge (you can scout it out beforehand by walking down the first hundred yards of the trail from the parking lot). If you enjoy this first rapid be prepared for plenty more, but if you're already feeling a little shakey it's an easy exit back to the parking lot.
As you continue past the bridge, head left to scout the next challenging sequence. You'll see a horizon line indicating it's time to scout. The sequence of ledges and boulders can form a couple of good-sized holes so pick your line and hang on or make the quick portage around.
After this drop the river continues for another mile and a half of constant class IV+ action. Most of it can be boat scouted although there may be a couple spots where you want to have someone take a peak for wood or check out the hole that sits at the bottom of many of the chutes and ledges.
One potential hazard to be aware of is the first of the dams on this run. It comes about 2/3 of the way through the run and is a couple feet high. It can be portaged on the right. Alternatively you can run it, but check out the hydraulic at the base and pick your line carefully. A rock near center right breaks u
...River Features
Snow Creek Trailhead Put-In
From Highway 2 mile 99.1 (the west end of Leavenworth) turn on to Icicle Creek Road. The take-out at the hatchery is at mile 2.1 and you will pass an alternate take-out at mile 3.3 at a pull-out below the diversion dam (used by those who want to run laps through the best rapids). The put-in is at mile 4.1 on Icicle Creek Road at the Snow Creek trailhead (you'll need a Northwest Forest Pass to park here, otherwise find a spot along the road).
Fish Hatchery Take Out
From Highway 2 mile 99.1 (the west end of Leavenworth) turn on to Icicle Creek Road. Follow the road up 2.1 miles and take the turn-off for Hatchery Road. Follow Hatchery Road 0.2 miles to its end and park at the fish hatchery.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportMake sure you take out before you get to the dam. It doesn't get any easier to scramble out the closer you get.
Put-in reached by scrambling down the rocks at the Snow Creek trailhead.