The Icicle Valley is trail running paradise. Our low elevation of 1100 feet means winter comes late and spring comes early. Our fall colors are amazing, peaking in mid-October. You can run these routes into late November. Spring brings an incridible array of wildflowers starting with glacial lilies and peaking with arrow-leaf balsom and lupine. In deep summer, when the valley runs are warmer, I suggest you head up into Icicle Canyon for runs in the Snow Lakes Wilderness, also a short drive from the inn. If you are an early morning runner, just let us know and we can save breakfast for your return.

We have scads of trails within a short distance of the inn. I will briefly mention five…but this is just for starters! I generally like loops, so four out of the five are loops. I like to climb first and descend on the way back in.

Mike’s Mountain Home Loop. Right from the inn, Mike’s Mountain Home Loop is an eight mile cruise with challenging climbs, restful flats along the canal, and a scenic descent back to the inn. Click here for printable map.

Icicle Ridge Trail. You can drive or ride a mountain bike to the trail head, about three miles from the inn. This is an up and back, with views of the Icicle Valley progressively better as you climb. Very smooth trail, your ankles will love that! It is a six mile roundtrip to the saddle on Icicle Ridge, where you can look over into Tumwater Canyon. Climb of approximately 1500 feet. If you drive, pick a parking permit up at the inn. Green Trail Map 178 Leavenworth.

Derby Canyon Loop. Approximately six miles. Wow…fun stuff. You start by running two miles up Derby Canyon Road, not a trail, but few cars travel it. Nice canyon, spread out Ponderosa pines, an abandoned orchard, mature aspen. At the two mile mark, looking closely, you will see a little trail off to your left, your adventure begins. Climbing gradually for two miles, the views of the Enchantments, the Entiat Mountains to the north, and the Icicle Valley improve with each stride. Cresting a ridge, you will find a single track dropping to the left for an exhilarating descent. You wind down the ridge, popping out at your vehicle. Fun Stuff!

Run around Blagg Mountain. This is runner’s heaven…an eight mile loop with good climbs, big views and a steady, not too steep descent. You will drive out of Peshastin on Derby Canyon Road, parking at Blagg Mountain Road (FS Road 7402). You will begin a clock wise cruise around Blagg Mountain by running up Derby Canyon Road two miles to FS Road 7402. You will turn right and climb strongly for one mile, cresting out on a saddle high above Nahauhum Canyon. From there it is a rolling five mile descent with incredible views of the Enchantments, and the Icicle and Wenatchee Valleys. Running in late May presents an opportunity to see the rare flower Tweedy's Lewisia. A treat!

Sauer Mountain. A challenging six mile up and back gaining 1950 feet. This is a stiff climb on a very smooth trail, perfect for a run. The trail was built across private land owned by Mr. Sauer and Forest Service land. At the top of Sauer Mountain, you get to sign in and write Mr. Sauer a note. In spring and fall, this trail can’t be beat. In high summer, it is a little too exposed to the sun for my taste.