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Big Four Ice Caves Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
48.0651, -121.5068 Map & Directions
Length
7.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
250 feet
Highest Point
1,800 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Moderate

Never go into or climb on top of the Ice Caves.

Mountain Loop Highway is closed from Deer Creek (milepost 24) to Bedal Creek (milepost 36) for the winter.

The trail and road to trailhead will be closed May 15 through June 30 for trail work.

Big Four Mountain along the Big Four Ice Caves trail. Photo by Brink. Full-size image
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Rivers

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass
Saved to My Backpack

While this is a popular location to snowshoe in wintertime, there is high risk in winter from avalanches off the mountain that feeds these caves. Keep to the main trail, and do not venture onto the snowfields at the end of the route. Continue reading

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Hiking Big Four Ice Caves Snowshoe

While this is a popular location to snowshoe in wintertime, there is high risk in winter from avalanches off the mountain that feeds these caves. Once off the road and on the true trail, keep to the main trail, and do not venture onto the snowfields at the end of the route. 

Toilet Information

  • Toilet at trailhead

More information about toilets

Big Four Ice Caves Snowshoe

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 48.0651, -121.5068 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

Never go into or climb on top of the Ice Caves.

Mountain Loop Highway is closed from Deer Creek (milepost 24) to Bedal Creek (milepost 36) for the winter.

The trail and road to trailhead will be closed May 15 through June 30 for trail work.

Make sure to park so you are not blocking the road or snow-plow turnaround, or you may be ticketed and/or towed.

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From I-5 in Everett, take exit 194 for Snohomish/Wenatchee, then take exit 204 for Lake Stevens. Follow this road for 2 miles, then turn left onto Hwy 9/9N Granite Falls. Proceed for 1.5 miles, turn right onto E 92/Granite Falls. In 6 miles, come to a roundabout that has a log sign for Granite Falls. Take the following roundabout to Quarry Road and stay on it through two more roundabouts.

Come to a stop sign and turn left onto the Mountain Loop Highway. Drive to the Deer Creek Pass gate, which closes in the winter. Make sure to park so you are not blocking the road or the snow-plow turnaround -- violators may be ticketed and/or towed.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Big Four Ice Caves (#723)

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Darrington Ranger District

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Big Four Ice Caves Snowshoe

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