Decided to head to the Big Four ice caves (or what will be caves later this year) today. The gates to the parking lots (old and new) were still closed when we arrived and there were many cars parked along the highway. The trail had packed snow the whole way, except for the usual muddy spots about halfway to the clearing, and was just skinny enough to make hand holding nearly impossible. With only a couple of stumbles and slips, we made it to the clearing and continued up near the waterfall in the west corner where we stopped and absorbed the views (and listened for avalanches). There's really no straying from the thin trail without snowshoes or a strong desire for wet feet. No caves are open yet, and of course, you are strongly encouraged to stay out of them. I forgot my flashlight anyway. Great company! and a good day for a hike. On the way out, we noticed the gate to the old parking lot had been opened.

Big Four is different every time you make the trip. About 3 ft of snow on the first part of the trail and across the bridges. Light drizzle, 45 degrees, low clouds. Trail well traveled, no new snow. Stood on top of big rock, listened and watched for the avalanches. There were many!!!! Stood for nearly an hour while snow, ice and rocks calved off from high on the mountain and roared down the steep face. What a sight!!!!! With the small amount of snow this year staying on the trail ridge is very safe for watching this event. In other years when there is more snow this would not have been advised. Eight others on the trail. A very pleasant short trip.

The new trailhead parking lot was closed because of icy conditions on the beginning part of the trail. The picnic area was open. The puncheon was frosty and very slippery. There were a few muddy spots on the trail. A 12-inch windfall is across the trail about 100 yards beyond the junction of the trails coming from the picnic area and from the new trailhead. The caves have retreated considerably. Ice blocks litter the front of the lower caves. There are large crevasses in the roof of the middle caves. The upper caves are completely open on top. There were deer and lynx tracks in one of the snow patches in front of the lower caves.