Big Four Ice Caves

Just off of Mountain Loop Highway in Washington State, the Big Four Ice Caves is another popular hiking destination in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest with about 50,000 visitors annually.

CAUTION: Never go inside nor climb on top of the ice caves. Read all the safety info by the entrance of the trail before you begin.

Directions

From I5, take exit 194 toward Snohomish/Wenatchee
Take exit 204 toward Lake Stevens and follow for 2 miles
Turn left on to highway 9/9N toward Granite Falls, drive for 1.5 miles
Turn right to E92 toward Granite Falls follow for 6 miles toward a roundabout
On the roundabout take Quarry Road, and follow the same road for two more roundabouts
Turn left to Mountain Loop Highway and drive for 10 miles
You will pass the Verlot Ranger Station to your left
After pass a blue and grey bridge, drive 13 miles
Follow the second sign for Ice Caves Trailhead (first sign is for the picnic area)
There are plenty of paved parking. Enjoy & Be Safe!

*_{A very cool ten layer rock pile. I added the tenth rock.}*

About this trail

Difficulty Level: Easy. This is more like a stroll in the park rather than a hike.
Distance: 2.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 220 feet
Highest Point: 1,938 feet
Admission: Free
Parking: Northwest Forest Pass. Click here for more info.

My Big four Ice Caves Hike

I consider this hike more like a stroll in the park; it’s so easy. I believe it took us only about half an hour to reach the ice caves from the parking lot. This trail is very well-maintained, there were kids and dogs running around, and I saw many older hikers exploring this area. It was cool to see it so accessible for most people.

As you approach the park, you can start to see the massive ice sheet from the trail, and you are most definitely excited to go and explore. But again, a word of caution: please do not go in or on top of the ice caves. Depending on the time of year, you can see many waterfalls from the face of the mountains. The waterfalls carve the ice sheets, and you can feel the very cold air coming out from cave tunnels.

I consider this park to be on the small side but very beautiful with a fascinating history. You definitely have to check out the picnic area where the hotel & rail station once stood to get the full experience.