Day 279 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways
Ice Cave in Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Another wonderful day in the Pacific Northwest! After a quick snapshot of Mount Adams, I took a short jaunt west from Trout Lake to explore an ice cave. I expected to be taken on a guided tour, but instead found myself alone in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Beneath the evergreens by a picnic area is the entrance to a lava tube. The cold air from the winter is trapped inside the cave forming an ice pool with stalagmite ice crystals poking upward from the floor.
Based on the information board map drawing there are two ice pools, a natural bridge, a crystal grotto, a crack room, and a few pits. I only explored the first ten feet of the 400 foot cave as I was alone and had no intention of falling on ice and sharp lava in the dark! I also followed a path above ground which led to the crack room and the pits. Had I had the proper equipment and a partner, I would have liked to see the crystal grotto. I bet it would be fantastic especially closer to winter time. The weak beam on my flashlight just barely illuminated the area from a distance, but neither my eyes nor my camera were successful in focusing on much!
ON THE ROAD AGAIN!