Big Four Ice Caves

Big Four Ice Caves
4.3
13 Reviews
Big Four Ice Caves
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Details

Distance
2.38 miles
Elevation Gain
289 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Family Friendly
Forest
Easy Parking
Dog Friendly
Scenic
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About this place

Added by Michael Matti

Relatively straightforward trail to the outside of the cave. Remember, the inside of the cave is very dangerous, with potential for falling ice. Please stay safe and remain outside the cave.

Disclaimer: Hiking into the caves is extremely dangerous as there is potential for the ice to fall. We do not recommend hiking inside of them and if you choose to do so, you're doing it at your own risk.

This is a short hike at just 2.3 miles roundtrip with little elevation change. The hike takes you through the forest to the side of Big Four Mountain where the Big Four Ice Caves are. The official trail ends at the viewpoint of the first cave entrance but you can walk further or even go inside the cave if you choose. There are plenty of warning signs and people have died inside these caves so please be careful, use your best judgement, and enter at your own risk. It is really wet inside the cave and almost feels like a light rain if the ice is melting and dripping. At the back of the cave is the waterfall that carved the cave.

For the location of the hike Google these coordinates: 48.067916, -121.514354

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Nathan Y
3/9/2021
very easy hike, hard drive. dangerous sight
takes a while to drive here. hike is very easy, probably too easy. Inexperienced hikers come here constantly and don't heed the ...
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Jeremy Klaff
11/26/2017
Fun day trip in a remote part of the country
Big four ice caves was a fun day trip for small children, couples, novice hikers, etc. It takes roughly a mile to get to ...
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Sabrina Weng
11/9/2017
Caved and Finally Did This One
I went with my friend when it first started snowing last week and it was gorgeous! The hike itself is short and easy with ...
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Andrew Hoang
12/4/2016
Must Do
Being such a quick and easy hike, this is a must for anyone in the Seattle area. With well-maintained trails, its hard not to ...
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Nina Sayers
3/29/2016
Must!
One of the best short hikes to rewarding views! Just be careful in the caves as they do collapse - I witnessed a caving ...
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Korey Taylor
10/15/2015
I enjoyed the view on the easy hike to the caves and while I understood the warnings about entering I had to do it ...
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Lindsy Dugan
8/24/2015
This is an amazing spectacle and an easy hike to get there. But be warned, do not enter the ice cave there have been ...
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Luke Daining
7/7/2015
Great to look at but be super careful before venturing inside. 1 person died and 4 were injured in a collapse just yesterday. ...
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Dane Nilsson
2/20/2015
The cave was unreal. There are signs warning that it is dangerous to enter, but the temptation is hard to resist and the sights ...
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Jaryn Lute
1/16/2015
It's a very easy hike to a beautiful location. Recommend it to anyone with a few hours
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Paige Racioppo
12/10/2014
Easy hike but a must see!
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Jen L
11/23/2014
I did this on a frosty week in mid November, which was perfect. I was there just after sunrise, so there were only ...
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danya arden
9/8/2014
Was amazing, depending on time of the year you go pack accordingly, went twice during late july-mid september is the best time
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