Washington · August, September, & November 2014
Hike Summary
Distance:
2.2 miles out and back
Total Elevation Gain:
220 ft
Starting Elevation:
1,750 ft
Highest Point:
1,938 ft
Hike Time:
1 - 2 hrs
Difficulty:
Easy
Seasons:
Year Round
Dogs:
Allowed on Leash
Pass Required:
When friends ask me for recommendations for hikes close to Seattle, I put the Big Four Ice Caves near the top of the list.
As an introduction to hiking in Washington, this choice yields a reward-to-effort ratio that is hard to beat.
The trailhead is located a 90-minute drive from Seattle and accessible almost year round.
The path itself is easy to follow and usually well maintained.
Anyone that can walk, including large toddlers, can complete this hike.
These ice caves are formed each year when melting ice water drives under the avalanche piles along the shaded north cirque of Big Four Mountain.
Warm air streams during the summer months enlarge the tunnels, and they eventually collapse under the heat or weight of additional snow build-up later in the year.
There have been some tragic accidents in the caves, so it is highly advisable to keep a good distance from them.
Smaller ice caves on the western side of the cirque
If you are looking to explore more, there are tons of other hikes nearby.
Heading back toward Seattle on the Mountain Loop Highway, it is easy to complete a hike to Lake Twenty-Two or Mount Pilchuck on the same day.
Winter Scenery
Despite its low elevation, there can be heavy snow near the ice caves as early as November.
This is a good practice area for snowshoeing, though you may barely need them in the forested portion of the trail.
Directions
There are two parking areas for the trail located just under 15 miles east of Verlot on the Mountain Loop Highway.
1
Trailhead: 48.066034, -121.510496
2
Big Four Ice Caves: 48.054523, -121.520259
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