For a little bit of urban cowboy fun for an afternoon, I went on a horseback ride through forest trails along Icicle Creek. The corral, horses, and crew are located just a few miles south of the faux Bavarian tourist town of Leavenworth in the Cascade Mountains.

We hooked up with Icicle Outfitters for our steeds and ride. After some initial matching between riders and horses plus a bit of basic instruction, the group was off and trotting. It is a slow ride that meanders through dusty trails and the dry sparse forests of the area. The land is beside a national fish hatchery, and the trail occasionally comes upon flowing Icicle Creek.

It’s a good introduction to horseback riding, and easy enough for people of all ages and abilities.

Leavenworth horses in corral for horseback riding

At the corral



Leavenworth horseback riding group on trails

Horseback riding into the forest near Icicle Creek



Leavenworth horseback riding on trails

Riding the dusty trails