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Access Site WA

Icicle Creek

Yakima River Icicle Canal Icicle Creek Above Snow Creek Wenatchee River

Source: washington_department_of_fish_and_wildlife Updated 1 year ago

City: Leavenworth, WA
County: Chelan County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 47.56923455, -120.66133476
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Whitewater Runs on Yakima River
3 runs (2 nearby)
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site: Put-in at this location This location is on the run Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
**Location & Access:** Icicle Creek boat ramp is located near Leavenworth in Chelan County, providing access to the Yakima River via Icicle Creek Road (approximately 10.2 miles from Highway 2). The site features ample parking with six designated ADA-accessible spaces, pit toilet facilities, and is open year-round. Note that winter conditions can make the ramp icy; users may need to drag boats up manually during freezing weather.

**River Conditions & Planning:** This access point marks the beginning of a significant 12.3-mile float section of the Yakima River with limited alternative takeout options, requiring a full-day commitment (minimum 6 hours at a fishing pace). Once you leave this launch, the river widens and gains flow from the Teanaway River confluence, creating broader, more powerful current characteristic of the lower Yakima. This section is best suited for experienced paddlers and boaters prepared for a longer journey.

**Facilities & Services:** Icicle Group Campground is located nearby and offers both individual and group camping reservations through Recreation.gov (509-548-6816). The access area provides basic amenities but no developed boat launch infrastructure, so be prepared for rustic conditions. Plan accordingly with adequate supplies and water-appropriate gear for a full-day outing.
Federal Facility Information
509-548-6816 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Nestled in a forest canopy of pine and fir on the banks of Icicle Creek, Icicle Group Campground in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers a peaceful setting for groups and large gatherings.Recreation
Icicle Group Campground offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to hike, fish, bike and enjoy a long list of outdoor recreational activities throughout the year. This campground has...

Overview
Nestled in a forest canopy of pine and fir on the banks of Icicle Creek, Icicle Group Campground in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers a peaceful setting for groups and large gatherings.Recreation
Icicle Group Campground offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to hike, fish, bike and enjoy a long list of outdoor recreational activities throughout the year. This campground has plenty of trails to explore by bike. Anglers may want to cast a line into the deep pools at nearby Toketie Lake. Populations of rainbow and cutthroat trout find habitat in this somewhat secluded lake. The nearby Fourth of July Trail offers hikers expansive ridge line views and challenging terrain. Beginning in the forest at 4,000 feet, the trail quickly climbs in elevation, out of the trees into more open, arid landscapes. The trail continues, traversing through mountain meadows with spectacular views of the Stuart Mountain Range and Icicle Valley. At 10.6 miles, this is a solid day hike, though backpackers can hook up connecting trails to continue for multiple days though adjacent wilderness settings.Facilities
Icicle Group Campground has one large site that can accommodate up to 30 guests and six vehicles. There is NO Water onsite. Guests must bring their own drinking water. The river is closeby for carrying buckets of water to your site for dish washing and extinguishing your campfire. Portable toilets will be provided.  
Natural Features
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers stunning scenic views, with high, glaciated alpine peaks, valleys of old growth forest and rugged shrub-steppe country making up the diverse landscape. Elevations range from below 1,000 feet to over 9,000 feet.

More than 700 lakes and mountain ponds dot the glacier-carved terrain of nearby Alpine Lake Wilderness. Tree-covered valleys give way to rocky ridges and rugged peaks along the crest of the Cascades. Many peaks and slopes are permanently cloaked in snowfields. From wet forests of Douglas fir, cedar, and an understory of salal and berries, to firs and mountain hemlock, the landscape opens up to expansive meadows matted with low growth and ends with dry forestland of ponderosa pine and grasses.

Congress designated the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in 1976 with a total of 362,789 acres. Prior to designation, aggressive mining and logging operations punched numerous access roads into the area, creating a wildly irregular boundary to this popular area.

Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (661) 702-1420.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors enjoy the North Cascades and Mt. Rainer National Parks, where interpretive programs and exhibits offer education about the diverse landscape and history of the area. Guests can also explore the area's colorful railroad and mining history at the Steven's Pass Historic District, or hit the slopes at Steven's Pass Ski Area.Charges & Cancellations
Group Sites
Group Facility (including Cabins and Lookouts): A visitor who cancels a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.

No-Shows
A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.

No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite.  

Refunds
Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended.

Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay.

For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. 

In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.

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Nearby Campgrounds (2 within 10 miles)
ICICLE GROUP CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
EIGHTMILE CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable