First off if you are looking for an easy hike that leads to a beautiful view this is your hike. Plenty of parking , bathrooms and easy start point signs. We got recommended this hike and wow could not have been more excited to see this place. It didn't disappoint at all, it was not a hard hike at all. Make sure when you get to the end you walk the 300 feet to actually see the ice cave but stay clear from it as they are definitely dangerous. We went on 10/12/25 and the foliage was still turning and looking beautiful... read more

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This is a awesome family-friendly stroll. The path has some paved areas, some boardwalks, and the majority is gravel. There is a bridge to cross the river so you no longer have to ford the river and get wet. I didn't encounter any flying bugs, although I brought bug repellent just in case. There was only one large arch, and you could see water dripping down from the roof. Even though there are many signs warning about the danger of getting close to the ice caves, many people were entering below the arched icy snow. People have died here because it only takes half a second for a piece of ice to fall, or fall and slide along an icy path to careen on top of people before they have a chance to react. A few days ago, a large piece of ice did fall, and luckily no one was hurt. There are huckleberries along the path, and gorgeous foxglove flowers. I can't wait to hike this during the winter months when there's more snow. Maybe the toilets will be less smelly as a bonus! read more

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One of the most beautiful hikes I've ever been on. Lots of parking and only $5 for entrance. Payment is through an envelope... like old school campgrounds. We parked on the trailhead side. There is also a picnic area you can park at where you can access the trail. We went on June 2, 2025 and on this day, the two big ice caves on the left side were not opened yet. Another experienced hiker up there was telling us they probably won't open for another month or two. On the right side there are waterfalls cascading down and there's a small ice cave open on that side. It's very beautiful and stunning with the views once you get to the top where the trail ends. On the way up along the trail you pass by a beautiful turquoise water colored river. The first half of the hike is flat the second half has a little elevation gain to the top. read more

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The Big Four Ice Caves is a super easy hike with some paved sections, making it accessible for most people. It only took my friend and me around 30 minutes from the parking lot to reach the caves. The parking lot is massive, so finding a spot wasn't an issue. There are bathrooms available, but they smell really bad - at least they exist! Seeing the ice caves was suuuuuper cool. As you get closer, you can feel the temperature drop, which was such a unique experience. You can even touch parts of the ice without going inside, which was awesome. Along the way, there's a small river you cross via a bridge. I saw some people go under the bridge to play in the water for a bit, and my friend and I did the same-it was a nice way to cool off and added to the fun of the hike. I attempted this hike on a beautiful September day, and it was a perfect, easy trek with a huge reward at the end. Definitely worth checking out! read more

The bridge is cut off right now!! If you want to reach the ice caves you'll have to go around and under the bridge, cross the river and climb up the other side of the bridge to continue your journey. Remember to bring bug spray because there are a lot of those suckers! Overall easy and cool hike, lots of bridges and wood railing, tons of wildflowers closer to the destination which is good for pictures! read more

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So COOL... No literally! it's very cool, and cool and also very cold at times... The Big Four Ice Cave trail was recommended to me by one of the Park Rangers at the Verlot station. I was interested in doing some hiking, but was running a bit low on time, so she recommended I check out the Big Four Ice Cave trail. She very accurately described it as a short, scenic hike with a great view that is not too arduous. I completely agree...well for the most part. I'd call it more of a stroll or a light walk than a hike. The path is easy to see, well maintained and the incline is not steep at all. The stroll is only about a mile long each way and doesn't take a lot of effort. The Ice Caves at the end are a sight to see! Something straight out of a movie or a fairy tale. There are plenty of warning signs telling you to stay out of the caves, not to enter, to stay on the path...etc. Use your own judgment...the signs are there for a reason. I do recommend listening to the advice. Unfortunately there is a mural at the end of the trail dedicated to a young girl who got crushed by the ice. I did not enter the Ice caves, even though there were a couple of kids inside. Ummm...so I don't want to die...when I went the roof was dripping...not a good sign...and the melted ice formed a stream of water that just mysteriously disappeared into the rocks...err the ground. Logically, I'd prefer a solid frozen Ice cave in the middle of winter instead of a partially melting roof over my head...but that's just me. I'll be back...when Winter is here...or whenever I get a chance to return. read more

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I came during weekday and it is very easy to find a parking spot. It took about 30 minutes to me to reach the view point (I walked pretty slow), and view was awesome that I felt it was worth to drive all the way and hike here. However, there are lots of mosquitos (in August Note: You might want to bring dry hand wash since there is no hand wash in the restroom. Bring a thick jacket if you want to walk inside the cave; waking inside could be dangerous since it might fall by the way. read more

Big Four Ice Caves - Parks Near Me - Granite Falls, Washington

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An easy family friendly year-round hike. An excellent snowshoe hike for beginners during the winter months. The NW Forest or America the Beautiful pass is required (passes can be purchased at Verlot Public Service Center). A day pass ($5 cash only) can be purchased at the trail-head. During the winter months, the road to the trail-head is closed so it's best to have the actual pass rather than relying on the day pass. If snowshoeing, plan on a 7-8 mile round-trip hike due to road closures. Parking can be found on the side of the road during the winter months (2-3 miles from the trail-head). During our visit, the ice caves were not visible do to the massive amount of recent snowfall. We did hear and witness minor avalanches at the ice caves while eating our snacks. Beautiful and humbling. Use common sense when visiting the ice caves. Admire from afar, do not go into the ice caves. As always, if you pack it in, pack it out. Keep your footprint to a minimum. read more

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[5/100] As stated by my fellow Yelpers, the hike is beautiful! There is different terrains and plenty to see. I had just flew in from Seattle and I drove about 2 hours. The hike wasn't too challenging which I appreciated! There is a very pretty river with clear waters and a metal bridge that is a contrast from all vegetation. The weather was beautiful and even though it was warmer, there was still an ice cave still standing. There is a lot of warning signs stating the danger of standing too close to these ice caves. I think that influenced me than it should have but safe is better than sorry. While I was standing in the ice cave, I heard the ice crackling because it was melting. The sight was still grand but I was definitely cautious! I don't recall paying for parking and there are plenty.There is a trail that will lead right to the caves. It isn't elaborate or a maze. The biggest challenge I found was the drive, other than that, it was a great experience! Many others I know planned a visit after mine and they enjoyed it. read more

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Spectacular and unique geology. Some trail walking to reach the caves and well worth the experience.

This is a beautiful walk! At the trailhead there are bathrooms. The trails are well marked and maintained. The views are just beautiful. The trail starts out fairly flat, with a bit of an incline toward the end. The trail is very shaded until you get to the very end, where you spill out into an open, rocky area with a view of the ice caves. Take heed of the warning signs and don't get too close. There have been injuries and fatalities here. The close-up view is not worth the risk. Cell service is non-existent, so do pack your 10 essentials and be prepared! read more

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Once I got to the parking lot after driving from Lacey on a Saturday, there was hardly anyone there and I got there around 11am. I have purchased my Northwest Forest Pass online the night before and was ready to a nice walk to the ice cave. There is a bathroom right before you hit the main trail to the ice cave and a map that gives you perspective of where you are in proximity to other natural wonders. I headed out on the main trail and soon after were joined by a family with loud kids and several unleashed dogs. "Oh great!," I muttered as my eyes rolled since my peace within the forest was being disturbed. Then my mind said "Everyone experiences nature in their own way, and you don't own this forest, trail, or the caves so let it go." I'm glad I listened to my mind because little things can tend to ruin your time and day if you let them and after driving a little over 2.5 hrs to get there, it wasn't worth me dwelling on something I don't have control over. I almost got lost as there was a fork in the trail that turns right and the other way goes left toward the cave and it isn't marked. Luckily, I went left. Shortly after and a little bit of sweating since it was warm, I reached the cave. The closer and closer you get the cooler it gets as there is a nice cooling breeze that exits the cave to give you some release from the warmth if you're moist in your crevices. The cave itself is really something to marvel at. As you inch closer to the entrance the jagged semi-circle shaped mouth appears to howl & even beckon you inside to hidden treasures and the possible death that may lurk inside but then the sheer scale of the behemoth makes those that don't have the philosophy of you only live once second guess themselves and whether they should enter. There are copious amounts of signs leading up to the cave telling you not to enter since several people have died inside during cave collapses. It really is pretty beautiful though. Don't miss out on the water falls near by. You can hear them from the caves, so just hike up a little further and step right in or splash a little water on your face. I will definitely be back and certainly with friends. read more

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Easy, short hike, not far from Seattle and its gorgeous!! Sadly there is not as much snow nor ice caves as there was last July, but these are still marvels that never disappoint! We were even lucky enough to get to hear and see the crash and roar of a couple small avalanches that fell behind the main ice cave. Absolutely mesmerizing and one of the cooler things I've seen in a while (no pun intended). :). For those who would want more of a challenge for a hike, going here before or after hiking lake 22 ( very little snow here right now) or mount pilchuck (has more snow) would be well worth it!! Ps. Stop by barbecue bucket afterwards for some awesome food in Granite Falls. read more

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First things first, DO NOT go under the ice or into the ice caves, no matter how compelling it may be. People have died here more than once. This can be a very dangerous place for those who do not respect the power of Mother Nature. Also, the Mountain Loop Highway is notorious for car break-ins. If you park at ANY trailhead along the highway make sure you do not leave any valuables in sight. It is not uncommon to have 10-20 cars broken into that are parked at a trailhead. With that said, this is a great EASY hike to one of Western Washington's most visited attractions. I wouldn't say the trail is ADA friendly, but I did see a blind man being lead by his son. The "caves" themselves are pretty cool to look at, and the natural air conditioning created by the ice is a welcome feeling on a hot summer day. Really good views, waterfalls, seasonal caves, big trees, pleasant forest....what's not to like. Bathrooms and ample parking are provided at the trail head. If you come during the summer, expect company....this is a high-use trail. Appx. 1 hour from north Seattle. Happy hiking!! read more

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We love this hike, and take our kiddos every summer. Easy for beginners, more of a winding trek than a real hike. We love to poke around at the top, and explore. You'll need a forest pass, or pay $5 at the trail head parking lot. read more

Big Four Ice Caves - Parks Near Me - Granite Falls, Washington

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Went to the Big Four for the umpteenth time today. And though I won't say it's the greatest hike on the Mountain Loop Highway (it's no Pilchuck, for instance) it's a wonderful hike for families with little kids. Bout one mile in and one mile back, it was doable for even my 2 1/2 year old daughter today, who practically jogged her way up the trail to those sweet sweet, snowy caves. Temperature drops about 10 degrees when you're standing outside of the caves, which is really cool. All that icy air coming off the snow feels pretty dang good on a hot Summer day. The whole area at the top is great for picnics, exploration, relaxation, and getting your nature fix. Parking is plentiful but the trail does fill up on weekends by around 10 AM. Get there early to avoid the crowds and enjoy a little more serenity. read more

Big Four Ice Caves - Cave in late July 2019 - Parks Near Me - Granite Falls, Washington

The main trail to the ice caves is very scenic and easy walking. It's very cool to look at, we went in august and there was still a little snow on the cliffs. Warning!!!!!!! The bathrooms at the start of the trail are god awful. The smell is just like ammonia or worse. Could hardly breath in there. Go to the bathroom before you go!!!!! read more

Big Four Ice Caves - Parks Near Me - Granite Falls, Washington

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There is a whole new world out there! A destination full of mystery and secrets. A parallel universe broken by a whirlwind of a modern tundra. It was the Lord of the Rings' icy Minas Tirith that resurrected from the dead. I was exposed to a realm that sets the standards high in the supernatural and the wanderlust towards my deepest fantasies! a day pass is $5 and you pay at the ice cave parking lot. this hike is about 2 miles there and back, and it's probably the easiest hiking experience that I've had. It is the training wheels before you go to places like Tiger Mountain (for intermediate hikers). and the ice caves emulate the frostbitten presence of the souls that've died by its unexpected avalanches! so make sure you pack an extra sweater and use EXTREME caution while exploring inside. since it was summertime, the caves were melting, making it more dangerous to check beneath its depths! but it was wonderful!! the cave walls were glossy almost resembling limestone. and what a vibrant aquamarine pigment when light is transparent on where the ice is thinnest. It was the familiar washington rain in there with a dragon's ground-shaking grunt casting the sounds of its storm. The cave however doesn't lead you anywhere bc once youre inside, all you see is the other opening of the cave. Other than that, you become soaked in -30 degrees of ice cold water!! id probably donate to the ALS foundation soon since this is the ice bucket challenge in extreme conditions! i dont know if my experience at the cave was either more frightening than satisfying, actually. it was a whale's mouth gradually prying itself closed uncovering me to the dark corners of the human psyche. but i found comfort in the regard which allowed me to perceive that an incurring moment of danger, and the tenderness of peace can intertwine into a purgatory-like sensation. i had the mild and restraining passion of a man who sits by his wife's death bed, afraid of her drifting, but accepted it bc she lived a life rupturing with meaning. Ive already won the lottery by merely standing at the presence of a wintry bastion manifesting a force beyond the laws of nature. But a bizarre nature that colored my perception in a disposition of remarkable surreal wonder. --------------- Use this address to guide you to campgrounds and other kinds of trailheads including the big four ice caves: Verlot public service center 33515 mtn. loop hwy Granite falls, wa 98252 read more

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This is probably the easiest hike you can accomplish in the summer! The trail is beautiful and and and you are able to each the caves in a short distance! I believe the hike is only 1.5 miles roundtrip? It was very brief. Beware of yetis! I'm just kidding. I've heard that during the winter season, it is extremely difficult to make it out here, let alone hike it. I would suggest probably going here during the spring time if you want to see the ice caves in their most glorious potential. After venturing off to this lovely place and was disappointed in the fact that we weren't able to spot any yetis, we decided just to tell ourselves, "Hey, we drove all the way over here, why not torture ourselves more and hike the Mount Pilchuck trail?!" again, I'm just kidding. Check out my other review on Mount Pilchuck and all of it's glory. read more

One of the most memorable hikes I've ever had. Likely because we almost ran out of gas traveling here and because it was my first hike with snow! PARKING: $5 -- Pay at the ranger station, it's separate from parking lot where trailhead is! The ranger station: Verlot Public Service Center 33515 Mtn. Loop Highway Granite Falls, WA 98252 DIFFICULTY: Easy peasy! Please have a map or use your phone to take a picture of the map provided at the front of the trailhead. Everything starts to look the same when it's covered in ice/snow. Such an easy, scenic 2.2 mile roundtrip. Very effortless hike on a well maintained path with great man-made bridges. You won't miss the trailhead, there's only really one path from the parking lot area. You stumble upon swamps and river/streams when making this short trek through the forest. You can always see the mountains as constant throughout the hike. Getting closer and closer towards the mountain means you're super close to the caves. Really gorgeous! The ice caves were completely covered in snow when we went in May. I suggest coming out here later in the year, but it was incredibly beautiful regardless. BE AWARE, toilets are practically holes in the ground in the restrooms! TIP: Dress appropriately, it's suuuper cold here! Temperature decreases as you reach closer to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie! read more

Big Four Ice Caves - POV: Standing at the parking lot near the trailhead! - Parks Near Me - Granite Falls, Washington

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Sick of the city? Want to get away? Want to walk your dog in a beautiful place? Well Big four ice caves is your place..... About 40 miles away is this amazing and sweet little hike. For you city girls that aren't into the outdoors that much, but still want that amazing fresh smell of wilderness, this is your place. So put on your sorel's and flask full of booze and just bask in the great outdoors. hahahha what to bring - hand warmers nice thick jacket waterproof pants hiking boots or rubber boots; it's pretty muddy gloves water snacks booze/beer if you want to walk and hike. it's only 1 mile! I didn't do it, but there were plenty of people that were!!! camera good friends 5 dollars for parking now you're set to go. I would recommend going to http://www.vtrail.com/byalphabet/btrails/bigfour.html for easy driving directions :) now have a blast!!! read more

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UPDATE: the ice caves remain a highly accessible, high mountain, epic experience. in one of my photos I am inside the cave and several I am at the lip of the entrance. while I was cognizant of the inherent risks I chose to take them and like most I experienced no harm. for those who do experience a spontaneous collapse, they die or experience their child, relative or friend die. there have been way too many completely avoidable tragedies at big 4 this year. please do not risk your life or allow your loved ones or anyone risk their lives by entering the caves. go check out the majesty of the area and stay 100 feet back from the caves. The Big Four Ice Caves consists of a series of caves that are formed every year during the summer months as snow melt turns to water and flows under the massive snowfields above 3 Fingers near Granite Falls Washington. The cave structure, location and unique features vary each season and practically everyday. The caves eventually all collapse and tend to get bigger later in the season. The hike is only 2 miles round trip with a total of 200 feet elevation gain along a very well maintained trail. There is ample space for a very scenic picnic before beginning your hike or even at the caves. The trail is so well maintained and the hike is so moderate that this destination offers access to those who may not have the physical ability or desire to go up 1,000+ feet to reach an alpine setting. The trail to the caves are lined with a variety of evergreens, wild berries and glimpses of the massive 3 Fingers mountains and finally it opens to the caves. The caves are magnificent. The mountains are incredible. I can't say enough about this place, it is worth every bit of drive time and hike time to enjoy it. Importantly, the caves collapse, without warning. I've seen this happen and one young girl was killed a few weeks ago not from a cave collapse but from an ice block that fell from above. Listen for rumbles and keep your distance. If you decide to go into the caves know that this can be very dangerous and some have lost their lives. The main viewing area for the caves appear as you come out of the trail into the clearing. Up over a small rise to the right are more caves or former caves. These can be as interesting as the caves themselves. I've posted a couple photos that display the interesting formations and abundant waterfalls that begin form 1,000 feet above. The hike is appropriate for children just keep them at a safe distance from the caves. It is also appropriate for older folks or those who are not physically conditioned for more intense hikes. I'm in decent shape and the hike was appropriate for me too. It's just a fun, interesting place to visit. You can get directions by Googling "big four ice caves, verlot" in Google maps. We paid $5 for our parking permit. It was well worth it. And finally, there are clean bathrooms at the parking lot. read more

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Super cool ice caves! Don't be that jerk who goes way far in the cave to take a selfie when there are clearly marked signs telling you not to! It is really unstable inside and there were horror stories of people being trapped in there after it collapsed just after we visited. This unique find in WA is really interesting to see but do take precautions to stay safe! Wear appropriate footwear as if you're going hiking. There are a lot of rocks to traverse! read more

Extremely gorgeous and at times, felt very G.O.T but oh what a pain to drive to! Plus, there was no reception as we got more inland...so bye bye GPS. Anyway, let me guide you. On your GPS, you input the address (cred to Eileen L. below): Verlot Public Service Center 33515 Mtn Loop Hwy, Granite Falls WA, 98252 When you arrive here, buy your $5 parking pass. Then, continue left and merge onto mtn loop hwy for an additional 30-40 minutes. You'll see the sign for the big four caves parking on the right (you know you're going the right direction/getting closer when the mountain gets bigger and bigger and you feel like you're nearing the base of the mountains). It's so gorgeous to come here when there's still snow. The bridge and plants were still frosty come mid-Feb. The hike itself is super easy and quick. About 2.5 miles and not even 2 hours... We spent a lot of time taking pictures and appreciating the panorama of the big four mountains when we arrived at the "ice cave". At times, it seemed scary when we heard some of the ice fall....it didn't help with the recent avalanche incident here either but being the daredevils that we were, we went into the innermost part of the cave. So gorgeous and so quiet. Lots of little rocks and pebbles, dripping water, & hard ice but so worth it. Stunning! read more

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Amazing walk with beautiful nature around. Took a hike with two 3 kids. One was on my back The hike was very easy for kids, they enjoined it very much. After hike we had some food we brought with us at special picnic area. Unforgettable experience for the kids. read more

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Big Four has been on my bucket list for at least 3 years now. However, every time I think to go it is definitely the wrong time of year. It may have been the wrong time of year to go for some, but having just gone today after the first snow storm of the season I can safely say it was at its' peak of beauty. It was a bit more of a challenge since we had to slog through the snow and get snowed on at the same time. We forgot our hats (terrible idea) but no matter what it was worth it. The hike in was magical and the caves were so gorgeous they almost looked fake. The trail is all well kept boardwalks. However if you are going late in the year like we did I would recommend checking in with the ranger station on your way up to see how the conditions and avalanche risks are at any given time. Ps: Check out my pics :) read more

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Went there this past weekend. FYI the road is still closed 2.5 miles from the trail head. The road does not have snow until the last 3/4 of a mile. Be prepared to walk 3/4 mile on snow. Since the gate is close your trip total will be 8 miles. There are nice places to stop along the way by the river. Enjoy! read more

Big Four Ice Caves - Parks Near Me - Granite Falls, Washington

This weekend, I returned to the Big Four Ice Caves for the first time since my parents brought me there as a child. The Ice Caves are an easy, yet rewarding day hike. The trail is mostly paved or wooden boardwalks and supposedly just over 1 mile round trip, though I think it seemed more like twice that. Still, it's shorter than a walk around Green Lake and the payoff is much more spectacular. After traveling through a boggy area, through forest and over the south fork of the Stillaguamish River (what exactly is a guamish and why don't they ever change?), the trail climbs up through more woods, past streams and waterfalls before opening out into an alpine meadow. The meadow ends at a debris fields, which sits at the base of an alpine glacier. A waterfall flows from the top of Big Four Mountain and runs beneath the glacier, exiting out the base. The flowing water creates a series of caves in the ice where it exits. When we arrived, there were several smaller caves and one that was tall enough for a person to stand up in. However, DO NOT ENTER THE CAVES FOR ANY REASON! It does not take a lot of common sense to realize that caves made out of a material that is constantly shifting downward and losing its structural integrity in the July heat are probably not very safe. Cave ins happen regularly and people have been injured and/or killed in the past. One reviewer from another website wisely noted that just going in for a peek puts you in the area most likely to collapse, so don't do it. Instead, enjoy basking in the icy mist that flows from the cave mouth. It creates a very pleasant natural A/C on a hot summer day. The hike is normally very easy and excellent for kids. However, severe storms and flooding last winter blew multiple trees down across the path and washed out the bridge over the Stilaguamish. We climbed down from the bridge stump and crossed on a couple of fallen trees that spanned the river near the bridge wreckage. You can also ford the river upstream of the debris, but the area immediately surrounding is far too deep to wade. While the current obstacles make the hike unsuitable for little kids, I think kids age 8 and up would still be able to make it safely. The trail head is located in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, so you will need a parking permit or face a fine. You can purchase permits at the Verlot ranger station, which is on the left between Granite Falls and the trail. Permits run $5 for a day pass $30 for an annual and allow you to park in any of the lots in the National Forest. The trail head is clearly marked on the right side of the road. You can park either at the Big Four picnic area or the Big Four Ice Caves lot a little further east. The picnic area used to be an alpine lodge that burned down before being converted to a site of outdoor lunching. If you are looking to get out of town for the day and want a gorgeous hike that doesn't require sherpas, check out the ice caves, you wont be disappointed. read more

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FYI, as you drive closer & closer, you lose reception so make sure you screenshot the directions. So easy I can do it with my eyes closed! I'm kidding but it is paved practically the whole way & there is NO INCLINE whatsoever. Also! It is a short hike, 2.2 miles RT. So if you're looking for something that is easy & quick, this is your hike. They have a parking lot for the hikers, you have to pay but when we got there, there were no slips to fill out to pay so we just went on our merry way. It's 5 dollars, btw. The outhouses by the parking lot we parked at were closed. It was a Monday, President's Day to be exact so you'd think it'd be open. *shrugs The beginning of the trail you can bask in all the trees that both tower over you & that have fallen. The path is well-maintained. There is a metal bridge that could get icy during the colder months but it was fine when we went. If you look down, you can see how clear the mountain water is. It's absolutely BEAUTIFUL! When you get closer to the ice caves you will know. You will see it from afar. You will then have to get off the trail & hike through some unstable rocks, it's doable to get to the ice caves. The ice caves were absolutely gorgeous. Everyone was taking pics outside of the cave but I wanted some pics inside & I just wanted to see what the inside looked like. FYI: DO NOT DO THIS, I found out afterwards, that people aren't supposed to go inside the cave because it can collapse in at any moment. When we went inside, we took a couple pics near the front but I wanted to go deeper but then I heard the water drops then some crackling... the kind of crackling you would hear when you put ice cubes in water & it starts to melt. So I took a couple more pics then headed out. You can see where people hike over to the mini waterfalls that were there but it's too cold to take a dip. lol. FYI: dress warm, it is cold. I wear shorts when I hike but that's just me. EVERYONE & their mom were looking at me like I was cray. Little do they know, I am! ;) They have a picnic area that has several picnic tables & a BBQ pit. It's near the other parking lot (the outhouses over there were open) Le sigh, what a long drawn out review. All in all, a short hike that you'll enjoy :) read more

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I've been meaning to come back and write a review for the ice cave because it is a must-do! The drive out from Seattle to the cave was about an hour and is a relaxing, pretty drive. It's through a woodsy area, and we even pulled over on the side of the highway to pick and eat wild blackberries. The hike to the cave was easy, more like a pleasant walk. We went in August, so there wasn't any snow, but the cave itself was frozen solid like in the pictures. Yes, there are warnings all over saying not to go in. We did meet a couple who did, and they saw the waterfall inside, etc. We didn't go in. ** Update- sadly, someone was recently killed standing under the edge of the cave (July 2015). Please follow the rules and stay back :( read more

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We are visiting my home state of Washington and I've been sooooo looking forward to brining both my kidlets to the Big Four Ice Caves! Growing up here, this was one of my favourite places to go year round. A fairly easy and short hike on a well-maintained trail system. So when I woke up this morning all excited to plan our trip, I was devastated to find out the trails were closed on 7/5/2015 - just a few days ago :-( The KOMO news article noted the forestry service said the Ice Caves are in the most dangerous state they have ever been in and even more tragically, there have been ice collapses serious injuries and a death which resulted in this closure. My heart breaks for the families and friends so deeply affected by this tragedy and also I am sad that the beauty and wonder of this magic spot is now unsafe for others to enjoy. http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Collapse-at-Big-Four-Ice-Caves-nearly-crushes-tourists-311870761.html read more

My client found out that I really enjoy hiking so they took me to the Big Four Ice Caves which you could not reach unless you wanted to wade through the Stillaguamish River to get to them until the bridge was replaced in June 2009 with an aluminum one. It is a great day hike as it is located in the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest off of the Mountain Loop Highway near the town of Verlot. Both the hike with the help of the bridge makes it a easy mile and half hike to the ice caves and back in a very serene setting. The trail is well marked and much of it is on boards for the first third of the hike with the last part through the avalanche field is a bit rocky but easy to navigate. There are signs warning not to walk into the ice caves as it is considered dangerous and I think more than one person has gotten in serious trouble doing so. You can walk up to the mouth of the ice cave and feel the really cool air exiting it. The only down side is since it is an easy hike there are plenty of inexperience hikers with their Dogs on the trail that can make it sort of an ordeal navigating around them, thus the four stars. read more

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Beautiful place and easy hike, really nothing to say that hasn't already been said before. Would love to come here again and camp. My family and I went here at the end of July and we saw one ice cave. The trail was well maintained and there were volunteers cleaning and clearing some areas of the trail. We didn't see any animals, but did find some really yummy berries. Just a tip to those who have babies or toddlers...don't bring a stroller. You can comfortably use a stroller on the trail, but once you get to the rocky area before the ice caves you're going to have to leave the stroller behind. Bring a baby carrier or let the kid ride on your shoulders. read more

Big Four Ice Caves - Looking up - Parks Near Me - Granite Falls, Washington

A hidden gem of the PNW. Located deep in the woods of the Mt. Baker National Forest, the ice caves can be at first tricky to find. With no cellphone reception, plan ahead on getting directions; I took a screenshot of the directions ahead of time from my GPS. Tucked away in Granite Falls, you might be thinking is the drive really worth it? Well, you bet it is. I grew up my whole life in the PNW, and it is surely something you have to see either if you're a native or visiting. Driving to the caves, you will notice you're getting closer as you pass all the campgrounds of the Mt. Baker National Forest; You will see that the base of the mountain is getting closer. The view from today, April 2nd, was just magnificent. The trees and the mountain was sparkled in white snow and the air was so crisp. There is a parking lot where you will need to pay $5 for the fee. I saw that some people didn't, but please do. The money helps beautiful places like the caves stay maintained so that we can visit them. Once parked, all you have to do is follow the signs to the trailhead. It's a pretty easy trail with a mix of wood, gravel, bridges and mud as you walk your way to the caves. You will cross a small river and see beautiful trees all around. Once you're out of the forest, you will have to make your way through some rocks to get to the caves. The view is amazing. Not only are you staring up at snowcapped mountains, but there is a large ice cave ahead of you with rocks surrounding the floors and waterfalls gushing out of the rocks all around. Also just a friendly warning, the area has an avalanche warning, so please stay relatively quiet. As we neared the caves, we could see that it was dripping since it had rained earlier. We ventured inside and said our "oohs" and "ahhs". It really is a sight you have to see for your own eyes. After we checked out the main large cave, we headed towards the large waterfall to the right. We actually found another smaller ice cave there. The waterfall was beautiful and the water was ever so clear. Again, if you just take a moment to look around, like actually do a 360 slow turn, the sight is just incredible. We went around 10am today and there was still fog at the top of the mountain giving it an eerie beautiful feel with the sound of the waterfalls, views of the perfect evergreens and caves surrounding us. Overall, if you have some time and are in the area, GO! :) read more

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It deserves driving around 2 hours be here. Enjoy the well maintained trail, with creeks, bridges, trees and flowers all along. My kid loves the ice caves, and climbing the big rocks to reach the other side caves as well. Amazing!Must see! read more

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The Big Four Ice Caves is a pretty cool little trek about two hours northeast of Seattle. It's not a challenging "hike" by any stretch of the imagination, you can definitely do it with kids and not be too burnt out. It's fairly far and there's a man-made trail carved out through most of the hike that leads to the ice caves. The ice caves themselves are pretty spectacular, in the right weather, to look at. Unfortunately it's not really the "big four" ice caves anymore, but instead the "big one/two," but nevertheless it's still a really cool sight to see. When we went it was an overcast day and standing near the base of the caves, looking up at the facade of the mountain, it looked amazing as the cliffs rose up into the low altitude clouds. It was pretty amazing to see the natural beauty of the low clouds, the towering cliffs, and the massive cave(s). I would recommend making this hike during an overcast/damp day, so you can see the beauty of the mountain and the caves with a cool setting of the mountains as well - that being said, I've never made the hike during a clear day either. It's a really good, easy trek that yields a pretty gratifying view at the end. Check it out if you're looking to take in some scenery instead of trying to challenge yourself with a tough hike. read more

DON'T BE A MORON - read the signs, and follow the rules! I saw several people risking their own lives and the lives of their children when I visited, and it made me sick to watch. LITERALLY there were signs about how people, including kids, have died by ignoring the safety perimeter. I was absolutely livid at the a man I saw racing his dog over over ice on top of the cave - he could have KILLED the idiots who went into the cave with their children! Aside from that, it's a nice hike that's easy for an able-bodied person, and worth the drive. I especially liked visiting the stream at about the half-way point on the hike. Allow about 2 hours for a relaxed walk and lots of stops for photos. read more

As a beginner hiker, this is a surprisingly easy hike. The details I read was true this time around. The trails has so many pretty things to see on the way and once you reach the ice caves, it was amazing. Nature's beauty at it's best! It was also surprisingly not cold in the caves. Eventhough it's not recommended not to go inside the caves I did it anyways. It's so pretty and tempting. Towards the end of the caves there was this beautiful waterfall. It's gets pretty slippery inside from the melting ice and it's all rocks you're walking on. I highly recommend checking this place out! read more

If you haven't gone here yet then you're missing out! This is probably one of the coolest hikes I've been on. It's such an easy hike and place is amazing. I would recommend getting there early or else it'll get crowded and harder to get nice pics. There is plenty of parking and definitely use the bathroom before heading out. Also it's amazing to see the ice caves but during my hike I saw a piece of the cave fall and fortunately no one was inside so please be very careful. read more

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If you have time to visit the ice caves, go for it! For a relatively short hike (which may seem far when it's hot outside...) the caves are definitely worth your time. I went in late August, and much of the ice had melted I guess, so my only complaint is the difficulty of walking from cave to cave with all the uneven rocks. Bring your hiking shoes! I would definitely go again - the western most cave was the coolest! read more

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