On Saturday May 25 we got up early and headed north to the Ice Caves Trail near Granite Falls.  It had just opened for the season. How lovely it was at that time in the morning. Low clouds and the mist hovered eerily in the air. The lush vegetation was a bazillion shades of green. Tiny colorful wildflowers lined the trail. Hikers here are very friendly and greetings abounded. What a great way to start the long weekend.  Here we go.

On September 27, 1949 a large fire broke out in the main building of the Big Four Resort located here.  The Inn's large fireplace [shown here] and some sidewalks were all that remained.   [link]

The view in the other direction is lovely too.


We begin our hike with boardwalks and bridges.


The trail leads us into the woods.


The vegetation is lush, and gorgeous.


Here's a large new sign.  Hard to ignore that one.


Over the long bridge we go.  It was damaged in a winter storm but is okay now.


The waters of the Stillaquamish River truly are that color here.


The boardwalks on this trail are well-maintained.


Clumps of yellow Wood Violets decorate the edges of the trail.


Kids can have fun climbing into the old trees like this one.


At times the boardwalk changes to fine gravel.


A lot of this trail is uphill.  On the steeper parts there are insets to provide some stability for the hikers.


We're getting closer now as we begin to cross another bridge and see Big Four Mountain. 
This area was damaged by a bad windstorm in 2006.


Wild Bleeding Hearts line the pathway now.  So pretty.


Warning signs are posted periodically. 


 Bunchberries are beginning to bloom too.


As we get nearer  I can almost feel that huge mountain towering over me.


There are many reminders to stay on the path.  Most people ignore them.


Water pours down into this snow and ice.  A ice cave will eventually be formed.
The red arrow points to several hikers and shows the scale.


There are lots of little waterfalls.


Several Inukshuks decorate the rocks at the viewpoint.


The smaller snow piles have nearly all melted.


On our way back to the trailhead Tim spotted a bed of Trilliums.


Blue Wood Violets are beginning to show themselves.


We won't forget the Ice Caves trail.  There's always something new to see.