Hot Right Now: The Big Four Ice Caves

According to WTA.org reader "JeffBOT300", who was kind enough to post a Trip Report on June 29, the ice caves at the foot of Big Four Mountain have not yet started forming. That inconvenience hasn't stemmed a wave of enthusiasm for this extremely popular day hike, whose main approach has been closed since floods in November of 2006 washed away the bridge over the South Fork Stilliguamish River. 

Since news of the bridge replacement and reopening of the trail was posted on WTA.org's Facebook page, more than 70 people have taken the time to express their approval. News of the trail's reopening has also made it into the Seattle Times, the Everett Herald and here on WTA.org's News page.

Obviously, this trail generates deep well of enthusiasm among Washington hikers. Among the most popular day hikes in the entire state, the Big Four Ice Caves can see up to 50,000 visitors a year who make the easy trek which includes beaver ponds, lushly forested areas, a river crossing and finally, impressive views of Big Four Mountain.

The star of the show, the ice caves, are formed as avalanche debris accumulates at the permanent snowfield at the foot of Big Four Mountain. As snowmelt increases on the mountain, tumbling water carves out the caves, which are best viewed July to October.

The public is invited to the ribbon cutting and grand opening for the Ice Caves Trail Bridge at 10 a.m. July 10. Park in the Big Four Picnic Area parking lot, 25 miles east of Granite Falls on Mountain Loop Scenic Byway.

Note: The Big Four Ice Caves are extremely dangerous to approach, enter or climb on. Tons of unstable ice may come crashing down at any moment. Please exercise extreme caution in this area.