Big Four Ice Caves — Friday, Dec. 8, 2017

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

First one in the picnic parking lot at around 9:30. Had the trail all to myself -- what a treat! Everything clothed in an intricately woven frosty blanket! The entire trail is very icy and slick (compact snow with ice cover and just plain ice due to snow melting off the trees during the day). To avoid looking like a cow on a skating rink, please wear microspikes and bring your poles for stability. It took me a while to get to the caves as I had no poles or microspikes and didn't want to eat anything besides what was in my pack. Didn't encounter anyone until back at parking lot a couple hours later. Beautiful day!!!