Hiking Perry Creek and Big Four Ice Caves
June 25, 2005
The Minnesotans were here! Jill's parents, Steve and MaryAnn, were out visiting us from Minnesota. So together with Jill's sister, Lara, we all hiked to Perry Creek Falls and the Big Four Ice Caves. Both trails leave from the south portion of the Mountain Loop Highway, about 15 miles east of Verlot. (Eric had been back on Perry Creek before, en route to an ill-fated winter scrambling attempt of Mount Forgotten and had mistakenly recalled the trail as flat. In point of fact, it is flat--relative to what comes afterward.)
It's 2 miles to Perry Creek Falls. We were shrouded in mist and clouds on the way in, but were treated to opening views and sunshine on our return. After a brief picnic at the Big Four Ice Caves picnic area, we hiked in the 1 mile to the ice caves, which were predictably swarming with people, but are situated in a breathtakingly beautiful area.
Path through big leaf maples and boulder fields above Perry Creek.
A misty canyon that leads up toward Mount Dickerman.
Jill's sister and dad (Lara and Steve) coming up the path.
Perry Creek Falls drops off into a dark slot gorge.
Wild columbine along the path.
Big Four Mountain as seen from the picnic area. The name confuses many hikers, since there are clearly 5 peaks along the ridge. Apparently, back before global warming, there was a snowfield in the shape of a 4, which gave the mountain its name. (Sometimes those interpretive signs are quite useful.)
Waterfall and high basin on Big Four Mountain, near the ice caves.
Jill drinking water. (Eric's attempt at an "action" shot.)
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