Trail · Alpine Lakes Wilderness
French Ridge Trail
18.5 mi round trip2,915 ft gainVery hardDay hike: Free self-issueOvernight: Free self-issue
Get alerts for this hikePermits and reservations
Day hikeFree self-issue
Fill out the free wilderness permit at the trailhead kiosk.
OvernightFree self-issue
No reservation. Use the same free permit, keep groups to 12 or fewer, and camp at least 200 ft from water.
Alpine Lakes Wilderness rules from the Forest Service. Matched from official wilderness boundaries. Always confirm with the land manager before you go.
About the trail
Distance18.5 miRound trip, out and back
Elevation gain2,915 ftTotal climb, round trip
High point5,440 ftFrom elevation data
Overview
French Ridge Trail is a 18.5-mile round trip, out and back from Icicle Creek Trailhead. The route follows Icicle Creek Trail, then French Ridge Trail.
Photos from hikers
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What you need
Parking and passes
Forest Service trailhead: display a Northwest Forest Pass or an interagency pass (America the Beautiful).
Buy a Northwest Forest PassGetting there
The hike starts at Icicle Creek Trailhead. Save directions offline before you leave, since mountain roads often lose cell service.