Cradle Lake

The clear mountain air, strenuous climbing, and glorious scenery should have you sleeping like a baby when staying at Cradle Lake. But it's not the sleep you will come here for. It's the waking hours that make this trip a pleasure, especially if you like river valleys, old growth forests, and wildlife viewing opportunities. As a bonus, you'll find high alpine meadows, great mountain views, and peaceful alpine pools by which to camp.

Getting There

Drive SR-2 to Leavenworth on turn east onto Icicle Creek Road at the west end of town. Drive ~18 miles to the Rock Creek Campground and Jack Creek Trailhead (2,960 ft), ~20 miles to the Black Pine Campground and Blackjack Ridge Trailhead (2,820 ft), or 20.4 miles to its end and the Icicle Creek Trailhead (2,800 ft).

On the Trail

Cradle Lake via Jack Creek

19.2 miles round trip, 3,500 feet of elevation gain, High Point: 6,200 ft

Hike the Jack Creek Trail 5.4 miles, turn right onto the Meadow Creek Trail, and hike 1.6 miles. Turn right onto the Snowall Creek–Cradle Lake Trail and hike 2.7 miles to Cradle Lake, passing the junction with the primitive Blackjack Ridge Trail at 1.5 miles.

Cradle Lake via Snowall Creek

Hike the Icicle Creek Trail 1.5 miles and turn left onto the French Creek Trail. Hike 4.7 miles, turn left onto the Snowall Creek–Cradle Lake Trail, and hike 5.6 miles to Cradle Lake.

Cradle Lake via Blackjack Ridge

Hike the Balckjack Ridge Trail 8.3 miles, turn right onto the Snowall–Cradle Lake Trail, and hike 1.2 miles to Cradle Lake. Hike Note that after the first 3.3 miles, the Blackjack Ridge Trail is primitive and hard to follow.

Cradle Lake Loop

Jack Creek, Snowall Creek, Blackjack Ridge, French Creek, and Meadow Creek provide many options for loop trips.

French Ridge

14 miles round trip, 3,000 feet of elevation gain, 5,800 ft high point

Hike the Icicle Creek Trail (No. 1551) from the  at Icicle Creek Trailhead 1.5 miles to the junction with the French Creek Trail (No. 15925) and another 0.4 mile to the French Ridge Trail (No. 1594). Turn left and hike up the French Ridge Trail ~5 miles to the site of a form lookout at 5,800 ft.

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking
• Seasons: July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Strenuous, Moderate/Strenuous, Strenuous/Very Strenuous
• Length: 21.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 3,200 ft
• High Point: 6,200 ft

• Land Manager: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
  Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Wenatchee River Ranger District (OWNF)
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 8
• Maximum Party Size: 8
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 8