Have you ever explored an ice cave? Perhaps you thought you had to travel to Iceland to see these unique formations. But you can actually stay right here in the United States and see a few ice caves.
Let’s look at how you can visit this yearly formation of ice and snow at the base of Big Four Mountain. The caves are only there for a few months out of the year, so let’s dive in!
Located in the Cascade Range of Washington, Big Four Mountain rises about 6,180 feet high. The ice that rests here forms the lowest-elevation glacier in the lower 48 states.
Big Four Mountain is located in northwest Washington, about 70 miles northeast of Seattle. The Big Four Ice Caves Trail starts in Mt. Baker National Forest along Highway 92.
The trail leads you through the hemlock firs of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. You’ll traverse over elevated boardwalks through a marshy area. A picnic area offers stunning views of Big Four Mountain, so bring a snack to enjoy.
The Big Four Ice Caves don’t exist year-round. The snowmelt and warm air of late spring create the caves, so if you attempt to visit before May, it’s likely you won’t see anything but piles of snow at the base of the mountain.