The one-mile Ice Caves Trail crosses the river about one-third mile from the trailhead and continues beyond the river to the base of Big Four Mountain, where the ice caves form. The easy hike gains 200 feet, and ends at the 4,000 foot tall north wall of the Big Four Mountain featuring the lowest elevation glacier in the lower 49 states.
Warmer Weather Increases Danger at Big Four Ice Caves: Hikers should be aware that there is increased risk of collapse of the ice caves in warmer weather. Visitors are urged to stay on the trail, NOT to enter the cave and to take extreme caution in the area outside the caves below Big Four Mountain as well, which is prone to falling rocks and ice.