big four ice caves

I live in Seattle so it was a bit of a drive to get here, but it was well worth it, even for a short hike. The trail was not difficult (there was not much elevation gain) and there was beautiful scenery throughout - trees, mountains, rivers, rocks, and of course, the ice cave. We walked about 3 miles roundtrip (including exploring the ice cave and a bit of that area). We went on a Sunday afternoon and it was busy but not too crowded. There is a $5 fee to visit if you don't have a NW Forest Pass. The ice cave was beautiful and really cool to visit. I didn't go inside the cave (I'd heard it has collapsed on people in the past and it looked like it had some weak spots) but it was still stunning to admire from the outside.

This is a great hike that affords an amazing view. The trail is about 1 mile with a slight elevation gain. This is an easy trail for most people of all ages and fitness levels. The ice caves are incredible to view up close. Exercise some caution as you get closer, many people have been killed here from falling ice. Do not enter the caves. In the summer the ice melts and creates pools to take a dip in as you sit in the shadow of four fingers and enjoy the view. This is one of the best hikes on the Mountain Loop highway.

I recently heard about these Ice Caves in Washington. We live in Chilliwack, only about a half hour drive to the Sumas Border and about 2 1/2 hours to the Ice Caves. We left mid morning and after two short bathroom stops and a short lunch break in Granite Falls we arrived at the parking lot. It only took us about half an hour to walk the trail. I was impressed with the trail as it was partly paved, there were board walks and gravel paths all the way to the Ice Caves. Once you get to the Ice Caves they look unimpressive but as you get closer you become engrossed by how large they actually are. They suggest you don't go inside the caves as with the weather getting warmer they can't control what the ice is going to do. In 2010 a young girl lost her life as she was inside the cave and a chunk of ice fell on her.......very sad. So be very careful about not going inside and do not climb up on top either. You can take some amazing pictures and off to the right there is a small waterfall. A great day trip.....use the bathroom before you go as the washrooms were not open when we were there [Jan. 1025] and please take your garbage home with you....we picked up several water bottles that people had tossed in the bush....not cool! Also, there is a $5 Park charge but when we got there, there were no envelopes to leave the cash so no one paid....not sure what that is about but the signs and web site say you must pay.

The day I make the hike was the same day they had just received about 8" of snow. The hike was very enjoyable, it showed on me for the entire hike. By the time I made it to the snow caves I was soaked to the bone because I didn't have waterproof clothing, but I still enjoyed the hike. The caves were very nice, being from Texas, this was not something I get to see and do at home. I would recommend the hike to anyone. I actually make the hike in October of 2013, but Feb. 2014 is the oldest date it will let me select.

It is less than a couple of mile to get from the Mountain Loop Road trailhead to the Big Four Ice Caves. It is a lovely walk across a boardwalk over a swamp, across a suspension bridge over a rushing river, followed by a gentle climbing stroll through dense forest, before emerging at the base of Big Four Mountain. The tall nearly vertical wall of Big Four towers over you, and all the snow that has fallen off the wall lies at the base, persisting even through the Summer months. Meltwater has carved spectacular caves that emerge from the front of the massive snow/ice ramp. On a hot Summer day, it can be very refreshing to just stand nearby and feel the cool winds emerging from the caves.This is a popular destination, so if you are going on the weekend or in the Summer, I suggest getting there as early as possible to hike up, look around, then go back before the crowds arrive.Caution: this is a dangerous place for the unwary. The melting snowpack commonly collapsed the roof of the caves, so you should never venture into any of the caves. Likewise, it is unwise to play on the snow slope above the caves, as they could collapse at any time. Finally, be wary of avalanches. This is quite uncommon, but every once in a while, snow and/or rocks cascade off the steep slopes above.

Avery pleasant and short hike to a rare spectacle of nature. If you have never been there, it's worth the hike at least once. The drawback is; not everyone respects the dangers involved with getting too close.

We did the ice caves as a day trip from Seattle. we left about 11:30 AM and were back home by 5 or 6 (taking our time of course). There were 2 lots where you could park that had trail heads and pottoilets on site. we came in the fall so parking wasn't an issue but in the summer it might be a bit harder. The hike to ice caves is a little over a mile with not too much of an incline and is well kept. Once you get to the caves themselves you can see the full view from the trail or you can get closer if you walk on the rocks. But obviously, dont go IN the caves as this is an actively changing environment! But thats also what makes it so cool- its a place that you could visit a couple times in the summer and fall and itll look different each time. The ice caves are really awesome and to make it even better there are great views of the mountains nearby and you can see little waterfalls coming over the rocks in many places. The fall is a great time to go because of the great fall colors on the hike and because the caves have been forming (and melting) for a few months now so they have give a very interesting scenery. And just a heads up, once you hit Granite Falls (which is the town it says the caves are in) you still have about 20-25 miles to go before actually reaching the trailhead. so if you need to go to the bathroom or grab a snack you might want to there before assuming youll just wait till you get there. :)

It's definitely a family friendly hike. I went there two separate occasions, one with my best friend and another with my boyfriend. We spent more time just wandering around then we did getting up there. There are some waterfalls if you head over to the right, as well as an ice cave that has a waterfall going through it. Impeccable view.

This is a wonderful, easy hike to see the ever changing ice caves. The area is very popular and the trail gets busy but the cave are fascinating. Do yourself and nature a favor by admiring them from the view point. Don't cross the path and all the signs begging visitors to stay on the trail and get closer to the caves. This is dangerous, people have been killed and it sets a bad example for everyone else.

Labor Day crowds were heavy as expected, but the walk on a fantastic trail was very pleasant. The caves themselves are interesting and a beautiful example of what mother nature is capable of. At about 2 miles round trip and only 200 feet vertical gain, the trail is very family friendly. Lots of well mannered dogs (on leashes) seemed to be enjoying themselves as well.There is a $5.00 fee for parking.

Simply amazing. The view from the parking lot alone is incredible, and keeps getting better. The trail out to the ice caves is leisurely and most shaded, although a bit steeper than expected in a few sections (we had one person with bad knees, so we were especially sensitive to inclines). The ice caves themselves are an incredible blend of sensory experiences. Standing next to them on a sunny day, you have cold air hitting you from one side and warm air from the other. I loved the visit and hope to go again.

This is a neat land formation to see. You can not deny that. But my god, it is more touristy then Disney World. I'm surprised they don't sell T-shirts at the Trailhead. It's completely packed with noisy folks, and you just can't fully enjoy it. I'd save your steps and go somewhere you can really experience nature.

One of a kind place!! You may have seen snow or Ice or mountains or all, but this place is unique. (or to my knowledge and if you happen to know any thing similar to this, let me know and I will explore them!)Its a beautiful hike (shaded with a bit of incline, couldn't be more than 100-200 ft) and a few picture points on the way. The ice caves itself were visible from a distance and I visited end of July!!! No rush friends. Caves were about 10-12 foot high with a very cool breeze coming in at the caves opening (take a jacket if visiting earlier in the months). All along the area, you would find beautiful meadows with flowers blooming (at least in summer) everywhere. For parking, this place offers plenty of parking spots, but make sure you stop ahead and get a day pass ($5) from a visitor center which is about 10-14 miles from the location. If you miss this, you could get to the spot and fill in a form, but I don't think you would get a receipt or decal to place in the car (chances are you may get a ticket or fine)! Worth visiting this place, must go!!!! Hope you guys enjoy this as much as we did!

Worth going to! Beautiful drive from Granite Falls thru scenic woodsy Mountain Loop Highway. Spectacular views of jagged peaks of the North Cascades and waterfalls along the well-maintained 2.5RT trail to the ice caves viewpoint.

Amazing hike and easy walk for families with kids. Only slight grade to trail and the pay off is worth it. Views are beautiful and the cool, crisp air pouring out from the caves is so refreshing on a hot summer day.