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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 9 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by John on 2/28/2010 I live in Granite Falls – and do this hike often. This has been a very “snow deprived†winter this 2009-2010 winter. Last year on March 1, 2009, there was approximately five feet of snow at Big Four. The road was still closed at Deer Creek about two miles prior to Big Four. This year …. No snow at all! The road has been open all year long as well This will make the ice caves very “interesting†this summer. Be ware! Do not go into the caves or climb snow over the caves! I have hiked the caves once a month since the opening of the new bridge. This is a good quick hike with the kids or friends who come and visit. It is a good hike for the ones who say “I never go hiking!†Enjoy! - J 
Reviewed by Eric on 12/31/2009 I was just at awe. The cave can be seen. Easy hike. I also got to witness two avalanches for the first time. I thought a jet was going over then I looked up and saw snow falling. WOW
Reviewed by Jackie on 9/23/2009 Fun easy enjoyable hike for both my kids and dogs alike. 
Reviewed by suzanne on 9/7/2009 I was on the trail on 8/16/2009 at about 1:00 pm. The parking lot was packed & I parked on the street. The picnic area was very crowded. I found the ranger to be very helpful about the hike. However I found I'm out of shape & at 56 yrs old, I found the trail to the ice caves to be very strenuous. I really struggled to get there. It felt more like 2.5 miles rather than a 1 mile hike. The trail was extremely crowded & crazy people were on top of the ice caves running amouk. The surrounding mountains were beautiful. I need to get into shape.
Reviewed by vishal on 9/5/2009 excellent hike, superb caves from solid ice! marvel of nature & there was a wonderful arch to top it off!
Reviewed by Sue on 8/30/2009 Great day for the hike. The parking lot was nearly empty when we arrived around noon. The ice caves were awesome. The only downer to the day was that a young man in his early 20's took a nasty fall, about a 12'drop above the falls on the far ice cave. People were very helpful and fortunately a nurse was up there and rushed to help.One man took off running for the ranger at the picnic area. There is no 911 service there , so please be careful. By the time we reached the parking lot we could hear Emergency vehicles coming maybe an hour after the accident. Word to the wise, be very careful up there. it will take hours for help to arrive if you are injured.
Reviewed by Zach on 8/17/2009 I would not recommend going anywhere in, on or around the snow/ice caves. I was just there any one of my friends almost got crushed by a falling snow pack. Its a short but fun hike, if you stay outta trouble.
Reviewed by Kasper on 8/16/2009 We got to the Ice caves parking lot about 10:30 Sunday morning August 16th. Outstanding work on the bridge it had been 8 years since I'd been there. Trail is in great shape I wouldn't suggest wheel chair either. There was a fair amount of people just right plenty of room to spread out. The only part that made my group so nervous were the children that were climbing on the top of the caves clearly no adult supervision. Just couldn't watch. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||