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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 7 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Nicohle on 11/19/2008 Bridge is still out as of 11/19/08 No visible alternative crossing. 
Reviewed by John P. on 9/29/2008 Been there three times with kids ages 6-12. Bridge was out as of Sept 7, but river was quite low (maybe 12-15 inches at deepest part of crossing). BRING SANDALS, crossing in bare feet in very cold water with sharp rocks is painful! Great hike even for younger kids, beautiful trail. Lots of the trail is in shade, and wind coming off snow can be chilly, even on a warm day. $5 to park, pick up parking pass at Verlot Ranger Station, there's a machine there that takes credit cards or cash. Recent pictures at http://flickr.com/photos/johnporcaro/sets/72157607174463799 (including our water crossing, bridge, and snow).
Reviewed by KH on 8/17/2008 Called the Verlot Ranger Station this AM 08/17/08, was told that the tree's have been cleared & that the only difficulty would be crossing the River that is if your not experienced or have young children. The bridge is still out. Otherwise was told that it was fine to attempt.This is one of my favorite Hikes from when I was a kid & it is a place that once you have been & seen the beauty, you will never forget it. Be safe & have fun. I would suggest you keep in mind the suggested items that are listed at the bottom of the page to ensure that your day remains pleasant & that you are prepared for anything unexpected.
Reviewed by Jen on 8/9/2008 Although the ice caves are a childhood personal favorite of mine that I have been looking forward to sharing with my children, I will keep waiting. After calling the Verlot Ranger Station to inquire about the status of the bridge and fallen trees previously reviewed here I was informed the bridge is still out. I considered wading through the river, but was advised not to with the kids (2 & 7) because the waters are still running high. However, the fallen trees have apparently been recently removed. I was advised to return in a few weeks once the river has lowered. The Ranger Station also mentioned the bridge won't be completed until mid-September. All advice well taken by this mom.
Reviewed by JOHN on 8/4/2008 Bridge is still gone as of august 4th, saw the new beams that i suppose will be used to build the new bridge, but if youre not trying to get wet(waist high glacial run-off), youre not trying to see the ice caves at this point. 
Reviewed by Anthony on 7/18/2008 7/6/2008 Bridge is gone. Went upstream 3/4 mile or so to find a crossing. Hooked back up with the trail. Trail under patches of snow but workable if you pay attention. At the top of the hill was just mass devastation. All the trees are laid out for a couple of hundred yards, just a massive pile of logs. Don't know if there was an avalanche or what, but it looks like St. Helens aftermath. Very sketchy to cross the bramble. Teetering logs and 10 ft + drops. Meadow before caves snow covered. I had been telling my buddies about how cool the caves were and motivated them to go this far only to find a pile of snow. The caves had not yet been carved, the water emerged from the snow a 1/4 mile from where the caves usually are.
Reviewed by Chris on 7/11/2008 Dont bother until both the bridges are rebuilt. I tried today, and it was a waste of time. I walked through the freezing cold river to continue, but the trail was in such horrible condition I feared I would get lost. Very many fallen trees that are unstable right now.
Reviewed by MM on 6/28/2008 Even though the bridge is still out the view is SPECTACULAR! River is still to high to wade across so we could not get up to the caves. There was an avalanche this morning that further covered the caves. Rangers said caves would be best viewed in september when they will be at there biggest. Will definately head back up before then in august when the river is lower and the bridge reconstruction begins... 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||