Big Four Mtn. Ice Caves

Hike Name: Big Four Mtn. Ice Caves Location: northwest WA Length: 1 Submitted by: Joe Sulham Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Washington trail reviews Washington national parks Washington state parks
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Description
An easy one hour hike to reach the North base of Big Four mountain (6,153'). The first half is very easy and starts out on a wide paved trail through a moss covered forest. Then you traverse a wide boardwalk across marshland and water. It then becomes a true trail of dirt, mud, rocks and roots for about 1/2 mile (but there is only minimal elevation gain) and then it opens into an unforested area about 1/4 mile from the base of the mountain. At first the mini glacier appears small until you see the people standing close to the Ice Caves and notice that they are really small in comparison to the Ice and Snow Pack. Bring a lunch and plan to explore for a while but don't venture into the caves. They can be dangerous. Just enjoy the view and the nice cold air as it blows out of the caves. (Bring the kids and camera if you got 'em.)

Directions to Hike
Interstate 5 to Exit 194. Highway 2 east to Route 9 north, then east on US 92 to the town of Granite Falls. At the end of town make a left on Mountain Loop Highway and drive about 4 or 5 miles to Verlot Public Service Center and pick up a trail head parking pass. ($3.00/day (note: 9/2002 the price is $5/day)) Then continue east for another 15 miles to the Big Four picnic area or a tiny bit further to the trail head parking lot. (Both are on the right side of the road.) Trail head is at the end of the parking lot.

Contact Information
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Darrington Ranger District (360) 436-1155

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