Trip Report
Icicle Ridge (winter)
Another gorgeous, sunny day on Icicle Ridge.
Brian Hill
- Sat, Feb 22, 2020
- Icicle Ridge (winter)
- Scrambling
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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Icicle Road clear of snow to the usual winter closure. Road beyond has 2-3 inches of compact snow which makes for easy walking to the trailhead.
Patchy snow at bottom of trail and then a couple miles of mostly dry trail to 3,800 feet. Thin, icy snow from there to 5,400 where the grade eases and there is suddenly reason to put on snowshoes.
My last-minute trip posting solicited only one participant, so I had to cancel. I was going to stay home, but a Friday night of meager earnings in the food delivery business had me packing at 9pm for a much needed day in the mountains.
There was a surprisingly small number of cars parked at 9:30 the next morning, and they were all going up the road toward Lake Stuart Trailhead. It felt good to be headed the other way.
After a few miles of changing between dirt and snow on trail, I took a less desireable route up a ridge. Pretty typical when I'm out solo to not fully consider all the route options. But it worked out fine, kicking little steps in the firm crusty snow.
At 5,400 I entered the easy slopes of Icicle Ridge. Views opened up to the south: Cashmere, Colchuck, Cannon, and all the rest. Big Jim and the Chiwaukums to the east. Many of my favorite mountain adventures lie in view from here. Of course, I had to break trail for myself. But time was of no concern. There was nothing but sunshine and wind this day.
I entered a rime-crusted gully and made my way easily to the summit. Leaving, I found much easier terrain on the north slope. Easy walking. Wonderful day in the mountains.
GPS claimed 9.1 miles, 4900 feet of gain. This solo trip took just over 6 hours, with breaks accounting for 1 hour.
