Table of Contents:
- Where Are the Big Four Ice Caves?
- Why Elope at the Big Four Ice Caves in Granite Falls?
- How to Hike to the Big Four Ice Caves
- Best Time of Year to Elope at the Big Four Ice Caves
- Where to Stay for Your Granite Falls Elopement
- 5 Tips for Eloping at the Big Four Ice Caves
- Granite Falls Elopement Photographer
If you thought that you’d have to go all the way to Iceland to find ice caves, think again! We actually have our very own ice caves here in Washington State! In this guide, I’ll be breaking down how to elope at the Big Four Ice Caves in Granite Falls, WA, and why they’re such a unique + incredible place to tie the knot.
Where Are the Big Four Ice Caves?
The Big Four Ice Caves are located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, about 40 minutes from the little town of Granite Falls. If you’re flying into Washington for your adventure elopement, Granite Falls is about 1.5 hours from SeaTac. From there, you simply drive east along the Mountain Loop Highway for about 26 miles until you get to the Big Four viewpoint, where you’ll find amazing views of Big Four Mountain + access to the ice caves trail! It’ll be love at frost sight 😉
Why Elope at the Big Four Ice Caves in Granite Falls?
Wondering why you should elope at these random ice caves in Washington? Let’s go over the top 3 reasons to choose the Big Four Ice Caves for your adventure elopement!
1. Low effort, high reward
The hike to the ice caves is SO short and easy, only about a mile each way with minimal elevation gain. This means that you don’t really have to put in a ton of effort to get to the end, but the payoff is still amazing! The 360-degree panoramic views of Big Four Mountain, the vibrant wildflowers in the summertime, the super cool and unique scenery with the dramatic ice caves. . . I’d say it’s worth the quick trek a hundred times over.
2. Good for all abilities
Not only is the trail itself short and sweet, it’s also really great for people of all abilities! Maybe you want to bring kids along, or you’re inviting guests who don’t want to/are unable to do a longer, more challenging hike: this trail is an amazing option for people with accessibility needs. The first half of the trail is a mix of paved terrain and boardwalks, and the second half is either gravel or dried riverbed. There are also ADA-accessible spots in both parking lots, as well as accessible vault toilets.
3. It’s close to other pretty spots
Finally, I love when couples elope at the Big Four Ice Caves because it gives us the chance to visit other scenic spots nearby! Some of the best include Mt. Pilchuck, Wallace Falls State Park, and the Canyon Creek area.
See an example of an epic mountain top elopement at the Mt. Pilchuck fire lookout here!
How to Hike to the Big Four Ice Caves
Like I mentioned already, the hike to the Big Four Ice Caves is an easy one! No need to do leg day right before your trip to prepare. The trail is only around 2.2 miles round trip with 220 feet of elevation gain, and most of the trail is made up of fairly smooth and even terrain.
When you drive to the ice caves, you’ll see two different signs: one for the picnic area, which comes up first along the highway, and one for the Ice Caves Trailhead about 0.25 miles further. You can def check out the picnic area for some beautiful mountain views, but you’ll want to park at the second spot when you’re ready to hit the trail! The parking lot is paved with plenty of parking, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a spot.
Once you’ve made it to the trailhead, it’s only a mile to the ice caves, so you won’t have to wait long to enjoy the views! You’ll start on a boardwalk that crosses a marshy area, walk through a grassy field and picnic area, cross a bridge above the Stillaguamish River, and then another above Ice Creek. Be sure to enjoy the views you get of Big Four Mountain along the way once the trees open up, and watch for waterfalls, wildflowers, and wildlife around you!
Continuing along the trail next to the creek, you’ll eventually get your first view of the caves. There’s a rocky area near the caves where you can admire the views of both the ice caves + Big Four Mountain. It’s SUCH a gorgeous and peaceful area, with a variety of picturesque landscapes everywhere you look.
Oh, and for a little extra adventure, you can also venture further up the trail to find a hidden waterfall! Biiiig fan of waterfall elopements over here 🙋
Best Time of Year to Elope at the Big Four Ice Caves
I’d recommend eloping at the Ice Caves between May and October! This is when most of the snow around the ice caves has melted, making them more visible and worth the hike. It’s the safest time of year to visit as far as the chance of avalanches go, but it’s also a dangerous time of year because of how quickly the ice can melt and fall from the roof of the caves. You honestly just need to be aware of your surroundings and intentional about safety no matter what time of year you elope at the ice caves!
Also note that the trail to the ice caves can get pretty hot in the summer months, but it does cool off a ton once you get to the caves—they’re like a natural air conditioner. Be careful of bringing your pups along if you’re hiking in the summer, especially if they’ve got lots of fur and might overheat easily!
During the winter months, the road closes off at Deer Creek Gate—about 2.6 miles from the ice caves trailhead. So if you decide to elope in the spring or fall, be aware that this gate could be closed depending on weather conditions, and you may have to hike an extra 2.6 miles each way! You can also snowshoe from Deer Creek Gate to the ice caves in wintertime, just make sure to stay on the main trail to avoid dangerous areas with the potential for avalanches.
Next, you need to figure out the best time of day to elope at the ice caves. . . you can get started with this helpful guide I put together.
Where to Stay for Your Granite Falls Elopement
Granite Falls has SO many adorable Airbnbs that would be amazing for your ice caves elopement! Here are just a few I pulled that would be such a dream for any adventurous couple who loves to be close to nature!
—Canyon Creek Cabins: The most GORGEOUS cabins just outside of Granite Falls, with super easy access to the ice caves. Perfect for getting ready photos, an intimate in-home sesh after you elope, or a little getaway with a few guests. Plus, they’re dog-friendly!
—Magical Mountain Retreat: A luxury glamping yurt on the South Fork of the Stillaguamish River. The most amazing place to make your home base as you explore the area, with antique furniture, outdoor games, a scenic sauna, and access to swim in the river.
—Luna’s A-Frame: A stunning A-Frame tucked along the river with a hot tub, barrel sauna, cold plunge, and fireplace. Need I say more??
—Verlot River Cabin: The cutest cabin right along the river, at the base of Mt. Pilchuck. You get a private beach you can swim in, a spacious deck, a hot tub, and a fire pit!
—Riverfront Oasis: Yet another cozy riverfront cabin with a hot tub and easy access to hiking trails, swimming spots, and scenic viewpoints . . you really can’t go wrong with any of these.
Wanna see some of my fave Airbnbs around Washington for elopements and intimate weddings? I made a list for you here!
5 Tips for Eloping at the Big Four Ice Caves
Elopements are MOSTLY fun and games, but there are a few practical tips you need to keep in mind when planning! Here are 3 tips to keep you safe during your ice caves elopement, plus 2 ideas to help personalize your adventure + make it totally unforgettable.
1. Do NOT go in the ice caves
As tempting as it is to climb into the ice caves for an epic photo opp, it’s actually very dangerous. Because these caves are formed by snow that falls from Big Four Mountain in the winter and spring, there’s always the possibility of avalanches, falling rock and debris, and collapsing ice—so don’t ignore the signs that tell you to keep off the ice and enjoy the caves from afar.
2. Get your Northwest Forest Pass
A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the ice caves trailhead. You can either pay for a day pass ($5) or get an annual pass ($30), which covers your entry into all Forest Service-operated areas in both Washington and Oregon! No matter which pass you get, it will be valid for you and any other passengers in your vehicle, so no need to get multiple unless you have multiple cars. You can get your pass either on-site once you arrive, or online here.
Learn more about getting the proper passes + permits for your Washington adventure elopement here!
3. Wear sturdy shoes
This is a place where you do NOT want to be caught wearing the wrong shoes!! Since the terrain around the ice caves is very rocky and can be slippery, you definitely won’t want to wear sneakers—opt for your best pair of sturdy, stable hiking boots instead. Click here to see what hiking boots I’d recommend for your adventure elopement!
4. Have a romantic picnic with mountain views
You’ll neverrrr catch me saying no capturing a romantic elopement picnic! I think picnics are one of the most simple, low-effort ways to include a fun and intentional activity in your elopement day; one that gives you the chance to admire the scenery around you, be present together, and enjoy delicious food. You know I’m a charcuterie girl at heart and I love a good elopement charcuterie!!
I recommend heading to the picnic area at the first parking lot near the ice caves, where you can set up a picnic and be surrounded by the most incredible mountain views. You can keep it as simple as you’d like with a cozy blanket and sandwiches you threw together that morning, orrrr go all-out with a gorgeous setup, glasses of champagne, and yummy charcuterie!
If this sounds like something you want to include in your day, I have a whole guide to planning a dreamy elopement picnic for you here!
5. Go for a swim afterward!
There are quite a few swimming opportunities near the Big Four Ice Caves, including certain spots along the Stillaguamish River, or the stream that’s near the trailhead parking lot. It would be sooo fun to take a dip and cool off on a hot day at the end of your hike, and enjoy the gorgeous clear water with spectacular scenery around you!
Granite Falls Ice Caves Elopement Photographer
I’m Bree, your resident ice cave elopement photographer who is ready to adventure into these amazing mountains with ya! My whole goal is to empower couples like YOU to make the brave decision to elope, wherever that may be—whether it’s these ice caves in Washington or the mountains of Italy. You can peek at my elopement packages here, and then reach out + give me all the deetz of what you’re envisioning. I can’t wait to connect!
Here are two more Washington elopement locations you’ll love that are within driving distance of the ice caves!
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