August 12 - Big Four Ice Caves

Big Four Ice Caves Trail

Total Miles: 2.2
Elevation Gain: 220 feet
Highlights: A lot of variety in a short trail, formation of ice caves and history of area is interesting, nice views of surrounding mountains
More information: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/big-four-ice-caves

Over the weekend, I went camping at Red Bridge Campground on the Mountain Loop Highway.  Though I spent most of the time cooling off in the river, sitting around the campfire, spelunking in Black Chief mine, and whipping up some delicious camp meals, I did squeeze in a couple of Hike-A-Thon miles.  

The trail to the Big Four Ice Caves is about 7 miles from the campground and was naturally a very busy place on a sunny summer afternoon.  Even though it sometimes felt like I was walking down a sidewalk in the city with how many people were on the trail, there was plenty of space to spread out at the end of the trail.  The caves themselves were pretty big, and of course there were people ignoring all of the signs along the trail warning you to stay out of the caves, but that is to be expected here.  I just enjoyed the cool breeze blowing over the snow before returning to camp to grill up some burgers over the fire.

Please support my Hike-A-Thon campaign by donating here! 

A big thank you to Grandma Jeanne, Grandma Sylvia, Chris & Kim, and Mike & Annette for your donations!