Big Four Ice Caves Snowshoe — Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

What a gorgeous winter wonderland this trail is right now! Mountain Loop Highway is closed about a 1.5 miles or so before the trailhead, but it's a beautiful snowy walk along the road with plenty of mesmerizing mountain views. Make sure you don't block the Snow Plow turn around area, there's a sign telling you where to park. There is snow and ice on the road, but it's plowed, so it's not too bad. I made it just fine in 4WD, but did slide a little bit in a couple places. I brought microspikes, but did not need them, and as long as you stay on the trail, snow shoes are not needed. My snow boots alone were sufficient. We didn't make it all the way to the caves because of time restraints we had that day, and there is also a sign posted of a high avalanche risk warning and not to go beyond the north fork of the Stillaguamish river.