Photo by Lindsay Leffelman

Hikers have been marveling at these frozen spectacles of nature for over a century. Reached by one of the most manicured trails in the Cascades, Big Four's famed ice caves can be enjoyed by hikers of all walks. Formed from cascading water and warm winds hollowing out heaps of avalanche-deposited snow, the caves usually appear by midsummer.

Instead of immediately heading for the caves, take a short diversion right, following a paved path 0.25 mile to the Big Four Picnic Area. This trail was once a rail line and was responsible for delivering thousands of tourists to a grand hotel where the picnic area now sits. From 1921 to 1949, vacationers came to this spot to golf (the flats before you were once a green), paddle (the wetlands you just crossed were flooded), admire the inspiring view of Big Four Mountain (still in front of you), and hike to the base of the ice caves (just like you!). All that remains of the hotel is a chimney. The grounds have reverted to a semiwild state, and the trail has been upgraded to a top-notch walk in the woods.

From this trip back in time, follow the main trail toward the ice caves, crossing through bird-bursting wetlands. In 0.25 mile come to a junction. The trail left will return you to your vehicle. For now, continue straight, soon coming to a bridge crossing the South Fork Stillaguamish River. Two hops and a skip beyond, cross Ice Creek by bridge as well.

Now on a very gentle grade, wind through open forest. Notice clumps of mountain hemlock, a tree that usually grows at elevations above 3500 feet. Cross Ice Creek once more and emerge at the barren base beneath the north face of Big Four Mountain. Stare straight up sheer 4000-foot walls where avalanches careen down all winter and spring, depositing tons of snow in the shadow of the mountain. Admire the cascades now crashing down those same walls, helping to hollow out the caves.

Walk across the fireweed-rimmed rocky flats to get a closer peek at the caves. But don't venture into or onto them-they can collapse at any time. If it's a hot summer's day, cherish the air-conditioned breezes funneling out of the icy catacombs.