Mount Pilchuck
3 days ago
Intermittent snow and ice
12 this month · 164 reports
Big Four Ice Caves
North Cascades
updated 4 days ago
The Big Four Ice Caves have significantly collapsed, with only a single, narrow arch of snow remaining as of October 15 and October 11. Reports from August 24 noted rock and snow falling from within the partially collapsed cave, with an expectation of further collapse in warm weather. The trail itself remains in good condition, with no snow as of November 6. The road to the trailhead is suitable for all vehicles, with gravel present in a rough patch that requires slow driving as of October 25. Bugs have not been a significant issue according to recent reports.
Generated from 84 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Big Four Ice Caves
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 4 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The ice caves have significantly collapsed. As of October 15, there is only one skinny arch of snow left, and it's expected to melt before the fall season arrives. Reports from August 24 indicated that rocks and snow were falling from inside the partially collapsed cave.
The road to the trailhead is reported as suitable for all vehicles as of November 6. However, a patch of the highway that lacks pavement has fresh gravel and requires slow driving, according to a report from October 25.
No, the trail is reported as snow-free. The most recent reports from November 6 and October 25 confirm that the trail is snow-free.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Fresh4 days ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Beautiful and in good condition. Very easy hike with a nice view at the end
Recent2 weeks ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
This is more of a report on the Mountain Loop than a hike. My mom needed a dose of nature as she heals from a little surgery so I thought she might enjoy some leaf peeping and a little hike around the...
Recent3 weeks ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
The Big Four Ice Caves have completely collapsed. Might need some heavy snow winters for a few in a row to bring these back to what people remember that they used to be.
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
The ice caves are almost gone. There's just one skinny arch of snow left. I can see that in the near future the snow will melt before the fall season arrives.
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Got to the parking lot around 2pm on a Saturday, it was mostly empty. The trail and views before getting to the ice caves were much better than I expected.
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Pretty, well maintained trail. Walked the full loop and saw a beaver dam. Heard some ice fall from outside the cave. Nice, short hike for families.
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Easy and short hike great for beginners with great views throughout the entire trail!
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Parked at the picnic area and hiked to Big Four via the wetlands boardwalks. Many people out enjoying the day along with several families out with their little ones, though it never felt crowded.Some ...
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
I enjoyed this hike with my 3 kids. Aged 8, 3 and newborn (in my pack). Easy to navigate the whole way. Bring a sweatshirt if you’d like to hang out by the caves, it’s quite chilly over there. We love...
Older3 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Didn't hike, just stopped to use the toilet. Figured I'd post a report to tell that the smoke was pretty bad. Not a good day to enjoy views and my eyes were getting very irritated. The toilets were we...