Big Four Ice Caves

Not much to add except it was a beautiful gorgeous day!! I decided to start late as it was an 80 degree saturday which only means every short hike would be INSANE!! I left my home in lake stevens around 3pm and headed up to arlington to drive the Mountain Loop HWY from north to south (my favorite way.) ALong the way I stopped to do a photo op in front of Fletcher falls and it was just spectacular. Moving on I figured the picnic area would still be more crowded so I parked at the trail entrance instead. I got to the trail head aroung 530. Less cars than I thought which was a nice suprise. I have noticed they have put up quite a few more "danger falling rocks/caving in snow" signs. Trail was the same as always and hiking with a 5 year old takes longer than it normally would (stopping to view whatever catches his fancy). There are still no caves to be had. the whole rock field is still covered in snow. Many waterfalls to be had coming down the face of Big Four. We stayed at the base for about 20 min and then headed back. Got back to the car around 7pm. Oh...and I think it may have been the time of day, but mosquitoes and flies were out and looking for a meal. :)