Bridge to Big Four Mountain Ice Caves Reopened June 27

Since 2006 the ice caves were not accesible unless you braved crossing the icy Stillaguamish River yourself. That's because the bridge across had been washed out. But on Saturday, June 27, 2009 a new bridge across the river opened (the original date to open was said to be July 4 the bridge is now open as of June 27). The new bridge is made of aluminum (won't get as hot as steel) and will make crossing the Stillaguamish River to the magnificent ice caves a lot easier.

It's a great day trip up from Seattle to the Big Four Mountain and Ice Caves located in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest off the Mountain Loop Highway outside the town of Verlot. And the hike with the help of the new bridge makes it all the more enjoyable.

Big Four Ice Caves Hike Facts:

• 1.1 miles round trip
• Elevation gain of 200 feet
• Once at the parking lot plan for a total of 1 hour hike time
• Hike is considered easy
• Out and back trail is well-maintained
• Remember ice is dangerous and it's not recommended to walk inside the caves

Follow AboutSeattle on Twitter.

Join in a Seattle / Tacoma forum discussion.

Become a friend on Facebook.