I came upon the Big Four Ice Caves while searching for ice caves near me and other odd places to visit in my area. I also love to hike and be in the outdoors as there is so much of it here in the Pacific Northwest.
There are so many awesome hikes and trails within the Northern Cascades/Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest area. The Big Four Ice Caves are no exception and will sure to leave you saying something like, “Wow! That was so cool!” or “I have never seen anything like this!” or just “Wooooooow!” The Big Four Ice Caves are only about an hour and a half drive from Seattle, so if you’re looking for something to do that’s a little off the beaten path or are visiting as a tourist and you’ve seen all the sights in downtown Seattle, this might be right up your alley.
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I followed the instructions on the Washington Trails Association website on how to get there. You can also find information on the WTA website regarding camping near the Big Four Ice Caves. If you hike a lot in the Pacific Northwest, you may know that a lot of the popular hiking parking lots fill up super early in the morning, which usually will make for an early start to the day. Every time I’ve been to Big Four, it’s never been too busy so I have been able to get a parking spot at almost any time of day.
One thing I love most about living in Washington is that even though we have gray and gloomy looking skies for a large majority of the year, there is still something so mysterious yet inviting within the curves and hills of the variety of landscapes throughout.
You do need a Northwest Forest Pass which you can get as an annual pass or as a daily pass. I highly suggest you just get the annual pass if you like to hike or plan to get out more and explore. It usually pays for itself in just a few visits.
From the lot, you’ll head south into the trail. The trail itself is about a little over 2 miles round trip, so it’s perfect for a beginner hiker. It’s a really enjoyable little hike. You’ll cross a bridge with the most perfectly blue-green water that almost seems like you could drink it straight from the river.
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The trees also carve out a picturesque view of what the Pacific Northwest is all about.
Then as you wind around the final curve, you’ll see the signage regarding the risks of danger at the caves. Please heed the warnings as several people have been killed entering the caves or walking on top of the caves. The caves have collapsed from time to time, so enter at your own risk!
Depending on when you go, you may see one, two, or more cave entrances. There is usually a rushing waterfall thundering down in the rear of the cave almost beckoning passersbys to come hither. Don’t enter though! You stay right where you are and look from the outside! Actually, who am I kidding? You’re going to do whatever you want but don’t say I didn’t tell you so.
I like to go in the spring/summer months as the mist from the falls pushes all the way to the front of the mouth of the entrance and is a welcome respite from the heat. Actually, the closer you get to the caves, the cooler it gets which is perfect after the little hike.
I will say that you might get wet from the mist, the streams of water gushing downhill away from the caves or the weather. The weather changes somewhat quickly sometimes, so you might want to look at the forecast and possibly bring a poncho. Let’s be real…this is the Pacific Northwest where it’s dark and rainy for about 75% of the year!
After checking out the caves, there is a waterfall a little further up the trail that is a cool place to sit and reflect or even take a dip to cool off.
If the ice cave hike wasn’t too much and you’re in the mood to keep your legs moving, you may want to stop off at Lake 22 on your way out. You actually pass Lake 22 on your way to the ice cave trailhead. It’s also close to Mount Pilchuck State Park, Heather Lake, and Bear Lake.
Thanks for reading & until next time….there’s no time like the present. Happy travels!
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Wow! That looks amazing definitely gonna add this to my “things to do while in Washington” list.