Big Four Ice Caves

Hike Name: Big Four Ice Caves Location: north WA Length: 1 Submitted by: Lee Ann Hightower Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Washington trail reviews Washington national parks Washington state parks
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Description
This is one of the most exquisite short hikes in all of the Cascades. You will see and touch the Ice Caves and there is a beautiful tarn to the left of the Ice Caves that reflects Big Four Mt. You can all the way to the bottom. It makes for a refreshing dip when it's hot out during the late summer months. In the winter Big Four is a true winter wonderland. Go in Dec. or Jan., during a full moon night that is clear and freezing. It will require snow shoes and is an easy hike. The hoar frost on the branches can grow to several inches if it is a good hard freeze and all the ground is lit up like millions of diamonds. A true Winter Wonderland. In the Spring the meadow in front of Big Four is full of wildflowers. Once you've been to Big Four you will never forget it. You can learn about the health resort and railway that use to be there online. Bring waterproof boots and a coat for the breeze out of the Ice Cave. Do not venture in the Ice Caves or on top of the Glacier... extremely dangerous. Be particularly careful during avalanche season if you plan on hiking to the right of the Ice Caves. Stay safe and Enjoy!

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... $5 a 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. Be sure to lock your car and hide valuables.

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

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