Big Four Ice Caves — Thursday, Feb. 26, 1998

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

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.