What is the condition of the road leading to the trailhead?

The road to Deer Creek gate was clear of snow as of [March 15](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-03-16.090351391856) and [March 23](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-03-25.114044336170). Past the gate, the road had well-tread snowmobile tracks making for easy, if uneven, travel on March 15. On April 5, the road was described as a pleasant, mostly flat bike ride about two miles each way, with no snow and mostly dry conditions. There was one rough, well-marked spot on the paved road near the gate on April 5.

Are there any significant obstacles on the trail?

Yes, there are several blowdowns on the trail that require hikers to crawl under or climb over them, as noted on [March 23](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-03-25.114044336170) and [April 5](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-04-05.172216646889). These are generally manageable but can be annoying and slick in places as of April 5.

What are the facilities like at the trailhead or nearby?

As of [April 5](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-04-05.172216646889), bathrooms at the Big Four Trailhead were open, but visitors should bring their own toilet paper. Bathrooms at the Beaver Creek Group Campground had pit toilets full of water as of [March 15](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-03-16.090351391856) and also lacked toilet paper.

Big Four Ice Caves Snowshoe

Q: What is the current snow depth and condition on the trail?

As of [March 15](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-03-16.090351391856), there was about a foot of fresh, wet, and heavy snow, with an estimated additional three feet below that. The snow caves were completely covered as of that report. Before that, on March 15, snow was well-tread until about halfway, and then became too deep for un-shoed hikers. On [February 28](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-02-28.185720293582), the snow was fairly icy/slushy initially but well-packed and easy walking from the picnic area onwards, softening as the day progressed.

North Cascades

updated 5 months ago

The Big Four Ice Caves trail is currently snow-covered, with reports indicating deep and wet snow past the initial sections. The road leading to the trailhead is generally clear of snow, though there may be rough spots. Several blowdowns are present on the trail, requiring navigation over or under them.

The ice caves themselves are completely covered in snow, with no visible cave formations as of March 15. Avalanches and falling ice are still a concern, especially near the ice cave area. Birdsong is prevalent, and some early-season bugs have been reported as of February 28. Parking appears to vary, with a few cars observed at 10 AM and 7 AM.

Generated from 37 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Big Four Ice Caves Snowshoe

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 5 months ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

No trip reports on this trail in 5 months, so everything below is at least that old.

As of March 15, there was about a foot of fresh, wet, and heavy snow, with an estimated additional three feet below that. The snow caves were completely covered as of that report. Before that, on March 15, snow was well-tread until about halfway, and then became too deep for un-shoed hikers. On February 28, the snow was fairly icy/slushy initially but well-packed and easy walking from the picnic area onwards, softening as the day progressed.