Big Jim and the Chiwaukum

Bring up trails in the Leavenworth area and most will immediately think of the crowded paths leading through the ever increasingly popular Enchantments. But just to the north lays another range of mountains, the Chiwaukum Range. The area offers rugged peaks, alpine lakes nestled in hidden basins, deep valleys surrounded by cascading waterfalls, and lush green meadows. They also offer something that the Enchantments doesn’t, solitude. In my four trips into this mountain range, I have encountered deer, mountain goats, and marmots but not another human. 

In my creation of this route I wanted to satisfy a few key requirements. First, it had to be very accessible. Second, I wanted a route that wouldn’t require a long shuttle. So while this is a point-to-point, the beginning and ending trailhead are within three miles of each other. Third, I wanted to create a route that would be challenging for most but at the same time possible to complete even for those who don’t have extensive trail running experience. 

In fact, quite a bit of this route is not very runnable, with five or six miles of unmaintained trail that will require the traveler to have a background in navigation. But I also believe that one will find that views and solitude are worth the “extra work”. 

Start Point: Hatchery Creek TH on FS Rd 7905

End Point: Chiwaukum TH off Hwy 2

Route:

Leg 1: Hatchery Creek Trail #1577 to junction with Trail #1576 (3.0 miles) stay left and continue on Hatchery Creek Trail at this junction

Leg 2: Hatchery Creek Trail to junction with Icicle Creek Trail #1570 (2.7 miles). Take a right onto Icicle Creek Trail here. 

Leg 3: Icicle Creek Trail to junction with Scatter Creek Trail #1580 (7.5 miles). This segment of the trail is unmaintained and has a couple of sections that can be a bit tricky to follow. 

Leg 4: Icicle Creek Trail to junction with Chiwaukum Creek Trail #1571 (0.8 miles). Take a right onto Chiwaukum Creek Trail.

Leg 5: Chiwaukum Creek Trail to junction with the North Fork of the Chiwaukum Creek Trail #1591 (7.5 miles). Take a right to stay on the Chiwaukum Creek Trail. Locate a log nearby for an easy ford of the creek.