Northwest Hiking

For many, ice caves have been an experience to be sought out and found.  Caves in general are a wonder of nature, and those made of ice are no exception.  In the northern Cascades of Washington state, such ice caves are present below the Big Four mountain area.  Popular in the summer, the caves grow in size towards the end of the summer as warm temperatures carve out tubes in the snow fields.  The hike itself to the ice caves is 1.1 miles round trip with a 200ft. elevation gain, so you aren’t going to be breaking any records, but the trip is relaxing and fun for the whole family.  At the top you’ll find a snow field with several ice caves in it.  Be aware of the fact that after a death a few years back, the ice caves are closed to going inside.

To get to the ice caves, follow the Mountain Loop Highway out of Granite Falls for about 26 miles.  There is a sign for Big Four, and that will be your turnoff to go up there.  The trail is easy, with some of it boardwalk,  so don’t worry about a “roughin’ it” hike.  I would advise to check with the Verlot ranger station to find out if the trail is open, since several bridges were taken out this past year.  Happy hiking!

More info:
LocalHikes
Verlot Public Service Station

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