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 Reporter |
Summary: The trail starts at the site of the old Big Four Hotel, now gone, but area is turned into a picnic area. A board walk provides a easy passage through a bog, beaver pond area. Then a little bit of pavement, just before you cross the South Fork Stilliguamish River and a short bridge across Ice Creek. Then continue on up the hill, through old growth timber, lots of blow downs in this area. Looking across the stream you can see De Campo Peak from here. Finally you reach the base Big Four Mountain, towering 6,135 ft above you, after a short walk to the outlook you can see the ice fields and sometimes the ice caves. Remember walking in ice caves is dangerous, there is falling ice. People have been killed and seriously injured in these caves. Trail has been improved for wheel chairs. If you look back down the trail you can see Devils Peak, to your left and Mt. Dickerman on your right. Trailhead: Take State Route 92 to Granite Falls, then continue on the Mountain Loop Highway. It's about 26 miles out of Granite Falls. Velot Ranger Stations is along the way, and you pass through Silverton, before you get there. There is a sign that says Big Four on the right side of the road (Lat:48.05512 Lon:-121.51894) Trail Guides for Big Four Ice Caves: Hiking Snohomish County by Ken Wilcox (Northwest Wild Books) Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Verlot Ranger Station, at 360-691-7791 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kim Mann Trail Reviews Page 1 of 8 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Susie on 7/2/2009 Great for easy outing with kids and dogs. Snow caves are not yet visible, but the payoff of the cool wind blowing over the snow at the top is terrific. Not all areas of this hike are shaded...if it's a warm day, you might bring a hat/cap and definitely water. Since it's a bit of a drive from Sammamish where we live, I'd recommend pairing it with some other hike or activity in the area.
Reviewed by kunal on 6/29/2009 We went to the Big Four mountains just a couple days after the bridge opened up. It was very exciting! The caves have not formed yet, but it is actually a great site as a huge mountain of snow has formed and you can climb on it and do some snow sledging... that is of course if you carry your own snow sledge... Great family fun place... kids and grand parents can enjoy equally... my grand mother could make it to the caves! A highly recommended hike this summer. 
Reviewed by Bobby Creed on 6/27/2009 FINALLY!!!! The bridge is up, the news finally reported on something news worthy!!! I'll be headed up next sunday, temps should be great then, and the best part...I don't have to climb over logs to get across the river anymore...Great Hike!! I reccomend to any Washington Native who respects our wilderness!! STAY OUT OF THE CAVES PLEASE!!! No matter how GI Joe you think you are, Nature is unforgiving to trespassers. BTW Great fishing under the bridge!!
Reviewed by Sheraine on 6/26/2009 I am so excited!!! I know the caves won't truly be "formed" for a while yet (late July to Early August-ish), but I am THRILLED the bridge has FINALLY been repaired! It seems like a lifetime! This hike is a MUST-SEE! I've been a dozen times or more in my life-time, and I look forward to the next dozen! Excellent scenery! It's a mild hike, but a good work-out just the same. My kids love it (no "can we go home YET's), and it's a great place to take out-of-towners. Yippee!!!!!!!
Reviewed by FunChefChick on 6/25/2009 I just called the Verlot Ranger Station today, and they said the bridge will be open starting midnight tomorrow (6/26)! W00t!
Reviewed by Ronnie on 5/29/2009 Called the Verlot Ranger Station today, and they said the bridge is under construction, and making progress. They expect completion in mid-July.
Reviewed by Jake on 11/30/2008 Bridge out as of 11/30/08 but the river was crossable up to a foot deep in places was all. Not swift either.
Reviewed by nize on 11/30/2008 11/30/2008 just called the ranger station and confirmed the bridge is still out. the rainy season has also started so the river level is rising, making it hazardous to wade across. the ranger said they have the replacement bridge, but it will not be installed until spring 2009. i guess this hike is out until next year. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Washington Hiking, Washington Trails, Washington Hikes, Snohomish County Hiking, Snohomish County Trails, Snohomish County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||