Jack Creek

Running like a spine through the Icicle Creek area, the Jack Creek Trail is 12 miles long, running from just outside Leavenworth to the Ingalls Creek valley and the northern border of the Teanway. Along the way, it offers a myriad of hiking options for visitors.

The trail begins at the Jack Trout Trailhead, near the end of Icicle Creek Road. It climbs steadily for the first 1.2 miles, then comes to a junction with the Trout Creek trail, which branches off to the east. Jack Creek continues south following the course of its namesake creek along the forested valley bottom on a rolling grade.

Arrive at a junction 2 miles past the Trout Creek junction. This junction is for the Jack Ridge Trail, which heads steeply east up a switchbacking grade to views of Eightmile Mountain and the Trout Creek valley. Continuing on the Jack Creek Trail, you'll walk along the valley floor. This section features several creek crossings, which may run high or impassable in the spring.

The next major junction is with the Meadow Creek Trail, another option for hikers or backpackers to venture deep into the backcountry. Past this junction, the trail may be muddy and brushy as it continues alongside Jack Creek, crossing several more rivers that may be difficult to ford.

Van Epps Creek Trail branches off to the southwest after several more miles, and Jack Creek Trail begins to criss-cross over Jack Creek. Hikers should be aware of high water here, as well. After the creek crossings, the route climbs  steeply, following the creek up the canyon and above the tree-line. The last mile or so is a rocky ascent, climbing away from Jack Creek to Stuart Pass, where the trail ends at the junction with the Ingalls Creek Trail.

From the junction with Ingalls Creek, hikers can exit the valley via Ingalls Creek trail, or continue up one of the many trails branching off Ingalls Creek into the Teanaway and further adventures.