​​Weekend Adventure: Big Four Ice Cave Near Seattle 🇮🇹​​

Just a ​​90-minute drive​​ from Seattle, we hiked the ​​Big Four Ice Cave Trail​​—a surprisingly easy trail with well-maintained pavement most of the way. The only climb comes right before the cave entrance, but it’s manageable for most hikers ⛰️ ​​What We Found:​​ The ice cave was much smaller than expected 🤔 Based on previous photos, we were imagining a massive, glowing blue cavern—but this time, it was just a thin layer of ice with less vibrant colors. Could be the summer heat melting it away? 🌞❄️ ​​Important Safety Note:​​ We met a family who had visited three times but never made it to the cave (they turned back early). Our photos helped them realize they were close—but ​​never venture inside the cave itself​​ ⚠️ The ice structure is unstable, and there have been tragic collapses in the past. Official signs clearly warn against entering 🚫 ​​Hiker Tips:​​ ​​Best time to visit?​​ Mid-summer (July-August) might offer better views as the ice melts more 🗓️ ​​Trail difficulty:​​ Easy-moderate (short but steep near the end) ​​What to bring:​​ Sturdy shoes, layers (it’s colder near the ice!), and a camera 📸 ​​Final Thoughts:​​ While smaller than expected, it was still a cool (literally!) experience ❄️ Worth the short hike if you’re in the area, but don’t expect a jaw-dropping spectacle like in viral photos 📷 ​​#SeattleWeekendGetaway #BigFourIceCave #PacificNorthwestHiking #IceCaveAdventure #OutdoorPhotography #WashingtonState #GlacierViews #HikeWithFriends #NatureIsAmazing #TrailLife​​