Big Four Ice Caves

Expect company on this immensely popular ADA accessible trail to ever-present ice caves. Though highly unstable, the caves remain a year-round sensation for some 50,000 visitors annually. For many, it’s simply an awesome sight to behold, and for others, an irresistible opportunity for deep exploration. Because of the many hazards associated with the ice caves, it is not advisable to enter or even get near them.

The trailhead is accessed by taking Mountain Loop Highway 25.5 miles east of the City of Granite Falls. Signage is prominent from the highway. On the right side of the road will be two entrances a quarter mile apart. The second entrance has a large parking lot, restroom facilities, and information boards. A wilderness pass is required and can be purchased here. The cost is $5.

Our trail starts out level and paved, gently winding into a welcoming forest of western hemlock, red cedar, and alder. Their wood looks aged, weathered, and mossy. No stumps or tell-tale signs of logging. On either side of the path are thick concentrations of ferns, salmon berry, skunk cabbage, and wildflowers.

These first few hundred yards pass through a beaver marsh extending northwest to the Big Four Picnic Area. At this location once stood an impressive three-story hotel called the Big 4 Inn built in 1921. For almost thirty years, railroad workers, tourists, and a few of the rich and famous enjoyed the hotel’s pristine setting and recreational opportunities. The hotel burned to the ground in September 1949 leaving only scant remains of its existence.

Further on we cross over the mighty Stillaguamish River on a 224-foot aluminum bridge. In 2009, this bridge was airlifted into place by helicopter. It replaced a wooden bridge that got wiped out during heavy rains in November 2006. The bridge is a vital link on the trail to the ice caves. In the three years it took to replace the old bridge, the ice caves were rendered inaccessible except for those willing to wade across the river.

We safely cross the broad, rocky river and re-enter the woods. The trail remains consistently groomed; constructed of loose gravel or stretches of well-constructed boardwalk. Roots, rocks, and potholes are minimal if at all.

The name Big Four Ice Caves may cause confusion, especially for those expecting to see four ice caves. It has nothing to do with the number of caves or peaks (5) found on the top of Big Four Mountain. The accepted origin of the name comes from early prospectors who observed a large numeric four formed out of snow-melt on the south-side of the mountain. Some say, under the right conditions, this phenomenon still occurs today.

With the north face of Big Four Mountain in view through the tree-tops, we begin a final ascent. Long sloping switchbacks ease the impact of some 200 feet of elevation gain. When the trail levels off, the ice caves are tantalizingly close. No one lingers on the path with one exception. Grant Morgan and his three young sons, Dash, Levi, and Silas of Stanwood, Washington stop to sample salmon berries growing at arm’s length off the trail.

“It’s a perfect trail for the little guys. Flat and well marked,” says Morgan.

He knows firsthand of the dangers within the caves that lie ahead. While in high school, Morgan and some friends were at the far end of a cave when it began to collapse.

“It sounded like a thunder storm inside; a rumbling.” Morgan recalls. “We were running as fast as we could and it was collapsing behind us.”

Despite signs warning of avalanches, falling rock, and collapsing ice, most visitors bypass the viewing area and head straight for the mouth of the largest cave. On this day, there is one massive cave opening at the far end of a debris field of sizable boulders.

“I’ve seen chunks (of ice) falling off,” says Anissa of the U.S. Forest Service. Originally from Granite Falls, she’s been returning to this spot for most of her life.

“This is all snow deposited from avalanches. It’s highly dynamic and never safe,” she said.

A trip to the ice caves is unforgettable. The luxuriant forest and wide well-engineered trail make this hike almost too easy. There are dangers, but these can be avoided by staying far away from the caves themselves.
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Elevation gain: 220 feet

Distance: 2.2 miles round trip

Directions: Big Four Ice Caves is within the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

From Highway 9/9N take Highway 92 east to Granite Falls. In 1.5 miles there will be a traffic circle. Pass through it and remain on the highway. In six miles will be a second traffic circle. Here, take the Quarry Road exit. There will be two more traffic circles in close succession, but remain on Quarry Road. Turn left onto Mountain Loop Highway for 25.5 miles. On the right side of the road will be two entrances for the ice caves. The first entrance leads to the picnic area. In a quarter mile is the second entrance for the Ice Caves Trailhead, take this exit.