|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 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 2 of 9 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JFJ on 8/2/2009 Got to use the new bridge today, Sunday, August 2nd. It is very nice. Many folks were there on a bright, sunny day. The trail is a class "A" trail most of the way, but not wheelchair compatable because of a section of windfall where the trail becomes class "C" (narrow, uneven and rocky)for 100 feet. Additionally, there is a short bridge with a broken back that is a stopping point and another bridge that is a replacement and has a 1 foot step on each end, so leave your wheel chair bound friends at home for this one. This IS a kid-friendly trail if the little munchkins are supervised. The caves have started to form with the easternmost about 20 feet high. It may last another week or two before it collapses. The rest are perfect. 
Reviewed by iPhlogger on 8/1/2009 Tried to go on the hike Saturday August 1st. Ran into the problem of "over capacity". The parking lot was full and all of the Highway parking was taken as well so I had to simply drive back home. 90 minutes away. I would probably suggest an early start in order to secure a spot to even park. It's too popular for it's own good. They need more parking!
Reviewed by KellyAnne on 7/28/2009 Very impressed with the new bridge! It had been some years since we first took this hike, and I was happy to embark on it once again. My sons, ages 9 and 13 were enthusastic companions. Once we cleared the trees, we were met with a tall pile of what I think was avalanche debris....THEN! The Mountain! Wow, what an awesome sight to behold with that sheet of ice at it's base. My eyes had a difficult time focusing on the sheer size of all before me. The boys wanted to get up close to the ice and I kept calling them back, worried. Not sure just how unstable the ice is. Overall, a great time for us very inexperienced hikers. Tip: bug spray, water, camera, and the capacity to be amazed at all this world has to offer.
Reviewed by sheilav on 7/5/2009 Ice caves had opened up yesterday, not visible at the trail's end, but if you take the spur up and over to your right you will see three more waterfalls plunginging into the snowfield with caves opening up below. One tunnel goes all the way through to the falls, but of course don't go there! - had a great time with the kids. Easy hike. Wildflowers out. Short hike, but lots to see and do. Take your time and enjoy it. We waited three years for this to be opened up again!
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!!!!!!! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||