Ice Caves trail accessible; plus a hike for fall colors

Published 9:32 am Sunday, October 6, 2013

A reader wrote in to tell me that the Big Four Ice Caves are still accessible. Or at least they were as of Thursday.

Here’s what John Rumpelein had to say. Thanks for the info and the photo, John!

I took a drive out on the Mountain Loop on Thursday afternoon and found that the Ice Caves are still accessible.

Most everything that can be locked is locked, including all the restrooms but one that I tried (and that one was fairly revolting) — but the parking lot to the Big Four Picnic Area is open, and from there you can hike to the caves.

* * *

I got out hiking on Saturday to Pratt Lake Basin off of I-90, exit 47. I can’t recommend that hike enough. The falls colors are lovely, especially near the lake. Fascinating mushrooms are everywhere and you’ll see countless waterfalls, big and small.

I’ll write up that trip tomorrow. But if you happen to be looking for something right now, get yourself out there. This might be the last nice weekend for a long time.

It’s on Forest Service land, but the trailhead is accessible. The privy is even unlocked, although it’s unlikely you’ll find any toilet paper there.

Click the link above for directions and more details about the Pratt Lake hike.