North cascades Big four ice caves

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Recently my friend Debbie Troxler and I decided to do a spontaneous hike to the Big Four Ice Caves.  Luckily for us its just a short little drive up the Mountain Loop Highway.  We almost get that feeling like we’re playing in our back yard.  Some times I forget how spectacular and beautiful Mother Nature can be and how breathtaking the fall colors are this time of year.  Absolutely stunning.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Four_Ice_Caves Of course I had to do some research on one of my favorite hikes .  The link above states some very interesting facts.   The ice caves are located 21 miles east of Granite Falls, WA.  Along the Mountain Loop Highway in the North Cascades.  It is one of the most popular hikes in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest attracting over 50,000 visitors per year. 

This beautiful hike is a 2.2 mile round trip mostly flat with a few hills. Easy for hikers of all ages and abilities to enjoy.

Granite Falls, Washington is also known as the Gateway To The Mountain Loop.   Here are some facts about the Big Four Ice Caves that I found on the Washington Trails Association or for a quick link go to  wta.org – Washington Trails Association https://www.wta.org/

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Important reminders for your own safety.  The Ice Caves are very dangerous. Due to avalanches in the spring and collapsing snow bridges in the summer DO NOT go into the ice caves or climb on them.   There are several warning signs posted throughout the hiking trail.  They are there for a reason and not to be ignored.  Every year people have died from those avalanches and going into those caves. 

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There is a plaque at the end of the trail in memory of Grace Tam, an 11-year old girl who was killed in 2011. It serves as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of this area, and the potential for danger that the melting ice holds. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/big-four-ice-caves

Here are some more beautiful pictures from our hike.

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Picture by Erin Hogan

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https://debbietroxlersphotography.wordpress.com/

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To see more of Debbie Troxler’s photographs go to her link at http://debbietroxersphotograph.wordpress.com/

About ME

 

“Sometimes you will never know the VALUE of a moment, until it becomes a MEMORY.”  Dr. Seuss 

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My name is Erin Hogan. I am a wife, mother, daughter, aunt, and outdoor enthusiasts who loves to hike, and camp around the Pacific Northwest. Fortunately I am lucky enough to live in a small town nestled along the foothills of Mt. Pilchuck and the Gateway of the Mt. Loop, where there are many hiking trails and places to explore. Our community is unique in a sense of how we take care of our own when people are in need or fall on hard times. Its still some what of a small town where we know most everyone, however its starting to grow rapidly these days. This town draws in many visitors especially in the summer months due to all of our hiking opportunities up the Mt. Loop such as the Big Four Ice Caves, Monte Cristo, Mt. Pilchuck, Green Mountain and the Fish Ladder at the Falls.

Throughout my blog you may find me reminiscing the past of what it was like as a teenager growing up in a small town. Sharing small town traditions and passing them down to my children. Exploring the Pacific Northwest with favorite places to explore and eat. Parenting teenage boys and most importantly giving back to our community that we love. My hope is to inspire and encourage others in my blog. Never be afarid of trying new thing. And when an opportunity presents itself for you to grab the torch of leadership, don’t be afarid to run with it. You’ll never know who you might be inspiring along the way. Lead in such a way that you leave a trail of love behind you.