Hikes

The Icicle River Canyon near the Sleeping Lady is home to some of the best hiking in the state. If you have time, we highly recommend getting out for a stroll along the river, visiting an alpine lake, or hiking around the trails.

There are many more trails than we have listed here, but here are a few recommendations that will get you exploring.

For more information: talk to Stephen, the Sleeping Lady front desk or call the Leavenworth ranger station at (509) 548-2550.

Please note that a Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at these trailheads. A day pass can be purchased for $5 at the Sleeping Lady’s Front Desk & at The Mercantile. Annual passes are available for $30.

Eight Mile Lake Trail

This is a beautiful and popular hike to a lake surrounded by impressive mountains and geological wonders. The hike begins climbing uphill and shortly intersects with an old logging road. The trail follows this road for a while then dips off to the left. At 2.5 miles from the trailhead you will reach Little Eightmile Lake (really just a small pond). Continue on the trail for another mile to the lake and enjoy the views.

  • Difficulty:
    Moderate
    (Not steep, but long)
  • Round trip distance
    7 miles
  • Round trip time
    about 4 hours hiking
  • Trailhead
    9 miles from the Sleeping Lady
  • Dogs
    Prohibited

Icicle Gorge Loop Trail

This trail begins near Chatter Creek Guard Station, crosses a bridge and winds upstream along Icicle River with good views of waterfalls and pools. At the Rock Island campground, you cross the cement bridge and pick up the trail again on the other side. The trail continues along this side of the creek to the trailhead, forming a loop. There’s a pretty decent swimming spot by the bridge.

Lake Stuart

Lake Stuart is an inviting lake beneath the fearsome north face of one of Washington's highest and most imposing peaks (Mt. Stuart). This hike is probably too long for most wedding guests, but it’s worth hiking if you can find a way to squeeze it in. This trail is like a field course in alpine geology. From babbling brooks to lowland forests to dry scree slopes to wildflower speckled meadows, to an alpine lake surrounded by granite peaks. The first part of the trail follows a creek for about one mile to a log footbridge. After the bridge, the trail begins to climb, switchbacking it’s way up to a junction with spectacular views. In a short while, the trail begins to flatten out as you enter open alpine meadows with views of Mt. Stuart. At 4.5 miles, you reach Lake Stuart.

  • Difficulty:
    Moderate
    (Not steep, but long)
  • Round trip distance
    9 miles
  • Round trip time
    about 7 hours hiking
  • Trailhead
    10 miles from the Sleeping Lady
  • Dogs
    Prohibited