Debris piles of ice and snow from winter avalanches remain all summer long due to the shade from the 6,135 foot mountain. During the summer, rivers and streams of runoff below the ice form ice caves.<br />
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According to Wikipedia, "The Big Four Ice Caves trail #723 is one of the most popular hikes in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest attracting over 50,000 visitors per year." The parking lots are often filled past capacity, forcing hikers to park on the road. According to Wikipedia, while the trail is open to the public, the snowfields themselves are off limits due to the danger of cave ins that have caused fatalities in the past.
From the Verlot Public Service Center (11 miles east of Granite Falls), go east on the Mountain Loop Highway 14.5 miles to the Big Four Picnic Area.
http://www.tripleblaze.com/trail.php?c=3&i=2942