Ultimate Guide to Big Four Ice Caves, Washington (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
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Big Four Ice Caves is a great place to watch ice activity just outside of Seattle. Formed by the avalanches and accumulation from the Big Four Mountain, the caves are ever-changing in their appearance. There is a short and scenic trail that will take you there. But visitors are constantly warned not to venture inside the caves as accidents have occurred in the past.
The glaciers change every year depending on the rate of snowfall. So the caves look different every time you visit, which is another reason to return here every year.
History of Big Four Ice Caves
Big Four Mountain is 21 miles east of the Granite Falls. It has a height of 6180 ft, and debris from the avalanches pile up at the bottom of its steep. It remains there throughout the year due to the shade of the mountain. During summer, the snowmelt streams flow beneath the debris pile, forming the caves in the ice.
Big Four Ice Caves Trail is a popular hike in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, and it attracts more than 50,000 visitors every year. The trail remains open to the public, but the snowfield closes temporarily due to cave-ins and slides. Because of the persistent danger, all visitors are advised to stay out of the caves.
Geological Cave Formations
The Big Four Mountain is in the Cascade Range of Washington and has a height of 6180 ft. At the bottom of the steep, debris piles are formed from the avalanches, and it remains there throughout the year because of the persistent shade provided by the mountains. At an elevation of around 2450 ft, the ice forms the lowest elevation glacier. The snowmelt streams flow beneath the debris piles in the summer, and the caves are formed in the ice.
Wildlife in Big Four Ice Caves
When you walk along the trail to the caves, you will view various species of birds and other wildlife.
Is Big Four Ice Caves Haunted?
It is a seasonal attraction, but it is not haunted.
How Big are Big Four Ice Caves?
The exact dimensions are not readily available, but the caves are relatively large.
Big Four Ice Caves Tours
The hike to the caves is one of the most well-maintained hiking paths that you have ever tread upon. The trail would be thoroughly enjoyed by avid hikers, photographers, and families. The length is only 2.2 miles roundtrip, and there is very little elevation change.
There are many user-friendly features on the trail, making it popular among visitors. The aluminum bridge over the Stillaguamish River, the multiple boardwalks, and the wide gravel paths make hiking easy on this trail. The top of the trail is a fascinating place to be as you will be passing through an area where storms have snapped the tall trees, and you will have a fantastic view of the mountains.
Tour Prices and Discounts
There is a charge of $5 for the Northwest Forest Pass.
Is Big Four Ice Caves Cold?
The temperature barely rises above 31 degrees F, and it is pretty cold inside.
What to Wear?
If you are arriving here in winter and spring, carry waterproof boots for the melting snow as the trail will be reasonably wet. Wearing street sneakers on the trail will never make your journey easy. In summer, you should invest in a good pair of hiking boots so that you can explore the caves comfortably. However, staying outside the caves is always recommended.
Big Four Ice Caves Hours
The caves can be visited any time of the year as it remains open for 24 hours.
What to Do at Big Four Ice Caves (Beside Tours)
The obvious attraction point is the caves, but that should not deter you from exploring the other areas of interest. There are many different waterfalls here and unique features that keep on changing every year, and these are great to watch.
Best Time to Visit
Big Four Ice Caves come out from under a mountain of snow sometime in August. Until October, people will have time to see the caves before fresh snowfall covers the ice caves again. One should watch the weather as early snowfall will close the caves sooner than expected.
How to Get to Big Four Ice Caves
The Caves can be reached by following the Mountain Loop Highway, just 23 miles from Granite Falls. When you are on the Mountain Loop Highway, you need to drive for 10 miles, and the Verlot Ranger Station will be on your left. After the station, go for about a mile, and you will come across the blue and grey bridge.
There will be two signs for the caves on the right side of the road, just 13 miles from the bridge. The first sign will take you to the picnic area, and the 2nd one is marked as Ice Caves Trailhead. A Northwest Forest Pass is mandatory to park in the area, or you can use the self-service station for a day-use pass.
Hotels near Big Four Ice Caves
If you plan to camp in this area, you can pack in a flask of hot cocoa a blanket to throw over the grass and spend your time watching the night sky.
Big Four Ice Caves Fun Facts
- The caves are in formation and accessible only for a couple of months (first week of August to October).
- Many people, including kids, hike to the caves regularly, but people should stay away from entering these caves as several people have lost their lives in these caves.
Big Four Ice Caves Details
- Length: NA
- Time Recommended: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderately easy
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes, leashed
- Fees: USD 5 for the Northwest Forest Pass
- Hours: 24 hours
Visiting Big Four Ice Caves
Do you need more information before visiting Big Four Ice Caves? Call (360) 436-1155 for an information packet.
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