BlackJack Ridge

3.0 out of 5, (1) Wenatchee National Forest, WA Strenuous 1 trip report · 39 photos
Round trip
10 mi
Elevation gain
3,160 ft
High point
6,040 ft
Difficulty
Strenuous
Season
Jul – Oct
Pass
None
Dogs
Allowed usually
Trip report

November 1, 2003

Strenuous 5 hours Verdict: Good
★★★★★ 3.0 out of 5 from 1 vote · log in to vote

Driving Directions: Drive the Icicle Creek road 18 miles to just 300 feet before the crossing of Black Pine Creek, park in the Jack Pine horse-loading ramp area, and on the uphill side of the road find Jack Pine trail No. 1597, elevation 2850 feet. If you reach the end of hte Icicle Creek road, you've gone too far.

Trail Notes: The trail starts at the parking area just before the Black Pine Horse Camp at the end of the Icicle Cr Rd., EL 2850 feet. Follow the posted signs for the first 1/8 of the mile and stay on course. Aside from a few small fallen trees we did not encounter any other obstacle. After a ¼ mile the gentle slopes give way to a sharp incline and the trail climbs some 3000 feet up the very steep grade through the woods and finally brakes out of the trees at 6000 ft into a recent burn, and the views commence. A flat spot at 4400 feet indicates you are halfway up. The trail is a real teaser, a forest hike with spectacular views once you reach the ridge. All the major North Cascade peaks are revealed: Baker and Glacier to the west; Stuart to the east and Mt. Rainier to the south. The only thing we encountered on the trail were two other hikers.

Photos 39

Highest rated first

Reviews 1

A happy surprise!

★★★★☆
PVenditti · Sep 26, 2004 · Moderate

Plenty of trails start in valley bottoms, climb through forested mountainsides, and emerge into sparse ridgetops with pretty views. This hike, however, does just these things in an excellent location. Similar routes to the south and north provide views either to the south, toward Rainier, or to the north toward Glacier Peak and Mt. Baker. This is the only trip we've made, however, which lies right in the middle of the state and offers vistas in all directions. Mt. Hindman and Mt. Daniels are also stunning from the summit of Bootjack Mountain, which is only about a 45-minute climb beyond the lip of Blackjack Ridge itself. We loved this excursion!

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