The words “ice caves” are a little misleading.  These cracks, holes, and small canyons on the edge of he bluff receive melting snows and ice collects below in the lower areas on the north-facing slopes above Bridge Lake.   The folklore is that First Nations and pioneers went to the caves to collect ice in the summer.   Ice will stay in lower caves alll year round if conditions are right.   There is always ice in teh deepest parts of Bearcat Caves, indlugint the slope down to the lowest chamber, the Ice Slide.

We were paddling on Bridge Lake so we found the information on the ice caves and parked our vehicles on High Mountain Road, just off Highway 24.   We crossed the highway and walked along the fenceline east until we came to a gate.   We turned north on the trail and walked to the end on top of bluffs overlooking Bridge Lake.   The trail goes both ways on the rim, but the best features are on the right side.

Visitors can walk along the rim, or cross over to the north edge and walk among the boulders and holes.   There were 4 deeper holes to exoplore and I went down to the bottom of 3 of them.   This involves some scrambling and is not suitable for children or pets.

(Kathleen Nadler photo)

In late August, at the very bottom of the deepest hole, I found ice in the crevices.   There were also ice crystals on the rock.   I was disappointed that people have thrown garbage down some of the holes, so I hauled some out with me.   It is still an interesting area, not a destination for a long drive, but a good spot for walk and some exploration if you are in the area.   Be careful on the edge of the drop-offs, but bring your camera and your sense of adventure.

Coordinates:

• Park at N51 29.722 W120 46.552 (on High Country Road)
• Ice Caves – N51 29.926 W120 46.331