Guler Ice Cave
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Hikes to this destination:
- Guler Ice Cave Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Latitude, Longitude: 45.9612, -121.6322
- Elevation: 2820 feet
Description
The Ice Cave was known to Native Americans and also to early settlers in the Trout Lake valley. Chunks of ice were taken from it and sent by wagon to the towns along the Columbia River. Later, the ice cave became a commercial operation managed by a Mr. Christian Guler; it was used for storing produce from the local area until the time came to take it to market.
The Ice Cave is actually a lava tube, the result of lava flows 12,000 – 18,000 years ago that issued from the crater now occupied by Lake Wapiki in Indian Heaven. There are numerous other lava tubes in the Trout Lake area, but the Forest Service does not publicize their locations in order to reduce the possibility of vandalism and also the spread of white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that is devastating to bat populations.
The cave stretches discontinuously for about 650 feet, with multiple exits and entrances. Note that navigating the entire Ice Cave will require crawling and squeezing through tight passages. You should wear winter clothing, gloves, good footwear, protective headgear, knee pads, and a good headlamp with a second source of light.
More Links
- Ice Caves & Natural Bridges, Trout Lake, WA (Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce)
- Ice Cave – Natural Bridges Nature Trails (Washington Trails Association)
- #72 Ice Cave Trout Lake (Curious Gorge Blog)
Contributors
- bobcat (creator)