Big Four Ice Caves — Sunday, Aug. 2, 1998

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Driving past the trailhead on the Mountain LoopHighway today, I noticed the parking lot is closed.Perhaps this is due to the fatality this past weekend. I recommend calling the Verlot Rangers to see if it's open. If you go there, enjoy the caves from the outside.These caves collapse regularly and there have beenmany accidents and some fatalities over the years. Suggested alternative hike: Barlow Point trail #709. This trail is1.2 miles long, a similar distance. But it climbs800' and gets moderately steep. Great views, however, and it's fairly short. To get there: drive past theIce Caves trail all the way up the Mt. Loop Hwyto Barlow Pass (where it changes to a gravel road).There is a large parking lot on the left side,and the trailhead is next to the parking lot. Many peoplehiking to Monte Cristo also park here. Enjoy!