What is the status of the bridge at French Creek?

The bridge at French Creek is out. Hikers have reported using a stock ford or horse ford to cross, which was generally knee-deep or shin-deep in early to mid-July July 21, [July 10](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-16.195437601161), [July 2](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-05.115037139437).

How bad are the blowdowns on the trail?

There are numerous trees down across the trail, with one report mentioning 747 blowdowns crossed on a loop in the Upper Icicle Creek area. The trail up to Lake Margaret, in particular, was noted to have 'tons and tons of large blowdowns'. Some sections had significant blowdowns requiring detours or bushwhacking.

What is the bug situation like?

Bug reports are conflicting. Some hikers experienced 'terrible' bugs in late July July 21, while others found them to be 'not too bad' in early July, [July 3](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-09.191221365036), or merely an 'annoyance'. It is advisable to be prepared for potential insect activity.

Is the road to the trailhead accessible?

Yes, the road is generally suitable for all vehicles. However, there is a reported washout and closure on Icicle Road just past Rock Island Campground, requiring approximately 1.8 miles of walking on the road to reach the main Icicle Creek trailhead, [July 10](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-16.215915405696).

Icicle Creek

Central Cascades

updated 2 months ago

Recent reports from July 2026 indicate significant obstacles on the Icicle Creek trail system. Multiple sources mention a bridge being out at French Creek, requiring a ford, and numerous trees down across the trail, some necessitating detours. The trail is also described as overgrown in places, making navigation difficult. Bug activity was reported as "terrible" in late July July 21, though other reports from early July noted bugs were "not too bad" July 10 or an "annoyance". The road to the trailhead is generally suitable for all vehicles, despite a washout closure past Rock Island Campground which requires a short walk on the road to reach the trailhead July 21, July 10.

Generated from 16 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Icicle Creek

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 months ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

No trip reports on this trail in 2 months, so everything below is at least that old.

The bridge at French Creek is out. Hikers have reported using a stock ford or horse ford to cross, which was generally knee-deep or shin-deep in early to mid-July July 21, July 10, July 2.