Near Big Four Ice Caves
Big Four Ice Caves - Washington
Near Big Four Ice Caves
Big Four Ice Caves - Washington
Near Big Four Ice Caves
Mountain Loop Highway's Ice Cave Trail
Near Big Four Ice Caves
Big Four Ice Caves
Near Big Four Ice Caves
Must cross bridge. Worth it.

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Classic Hike Route

Big Four Ice Caves

4.0 (2 Ratings)
Nicely varied hike to see snow caves at the foot of Big Four Mountain
2.3
mi
Distance
365
ft
Gain
easy
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
CaveFamily FriendlyGeologically SignificantHistoricalRiver/CreekViewsWaterfall
Access Issues
Do not enter the ice caves or climb on top of them, due to danger of ice or rock fall.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
2.3mi
Distance
365ft
Elevation Gain
365ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
1,964ft
High Point
1,692ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
The hike begins on a boardwalk over a lowland marsh known to host beavers. About a quarter-mile down the trail, a shiny new aluminum bridge spans the South Fork of the Stillaguamish River.Signs warn hikers of avalanche danger near the edge of the forest, and hundreds of downed trees are evidence of previous slides. There is very little risk in summer and fall, of course. After you've reached the clearing, the primary ice field will appear off to the southwest, and the secondary ice field is further down the trail to the north.Icefall, rockfall, and collapses are common in the cave, and people have been injured and even killed on multiple occasions. The edges of the caves are the most susceptible to rock and ice fall, so entering the caves is not advised.- Description by Tyler Yates, Outdoor Project
History & Background
The trailhead is at the former site of a three-story, fifty-room hotel that was built in 1920 and burned down in 1949. Only the hearth and chimney survived, both of which still stand in the present picnic area.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Contributors
Hiking Project Staff