Ice Creek - Ice Lakes — Tuesday, Jun. 18, 2024

Spent two nights at Lower Ice Lake 6/18-6/20. Thank you to the recent trail crews, we wouldn't have been able to make it without their recent work (we attempted this trail a few years ago, and were only able to make it 8 miles in). Unfortunately, a large number of trees have fallen since (we counted about 150 over the 13 miles, about a quarter of which were slightly challenging to get around), making this trail more challenging than expected.

Day 1 - TH to Lower Ice Lakes -
TH to Myrtle Lake Intersection - 33 downed trees, trail slightly overgrown.
Myrtle Lake Intersection to Larch Lakes Intersection - 74 downed trees over less than a mile distance. This section felt a bit like an obstacle course.
Larch Lakes Intersection to Entiat River Crossing - This section was in great condition and a delight to hike. Only 4 downed trees, most of which were near the Entiat River Crossing campsite. River crossing was about knee deep or can be done on a log slightly upstream of the horse crossing.
Entiat River Crossing to first Ice Creek Crossing - 34 downed trees, most of which were after the intersection with Pumas Creek Trail. Trail overgrown.
Ice Creek Crossing to Lower Ice Lakes - trail in good good condition until the final ascent. Some snow in the forest (firm and easy to travel). Trail slightly overgrown for short sections in the final ascent, with a couple short snow patches over the rock fields to cross (snow firm). Beautiful alpine meadows flowering!
Lower Ice Lakes - Ample running water. Toilet and a few campsites melted out. 2-3 feet of snow.

Day 2 - Lower Ice Lakes to Freezer Pass Day Hike - Did a quick day hike to Freezer Pass. Snow was firm in the morning and slushy in the afternoon with a foot plus of postholing not uncommon in the afternoon. Microspikes helpful on the steeper sections.

Day 3 - Lower Ice Lakes to TH - Snow softer than the first day, with the snow over the rock field on the descent from ice lakes more post hole prone.