There's no shortage of caves in Washington State. Adventurers are well aware of places like Ape Caves and Big Four Ice Caves. However, there are not many quite like the Guler Ice Caves. Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, these unique lava tubes are filled with incredible ice formations that would make even Elsa and Anna envious. The ice is present year-round, making the Guler Ice Caves a fun destination no matter what time of the year it is. These ice caves in WA are a stunning natural wonder. If you've ever wondered "are there caves in Washington?", then this is one adventure that definitely belongs on your bucket list!

The 650-foot-long Guler Ice Cave is just a small piece of an extensive network of caves in the Indian Heaven Volcanic Field. This area lies between Mount Adams and Mount Saint Helens.

The most recent eruption in this area, around 9,000 years ago, produced a large lava field just west of these lava tubes.

To access these ice caves in Washington, you'll descend a 20-foot staircase into the dark.

As you trek down, you'll notice a dramatic temperature drop from the top to the bottom. Down here, it's around a brisk 32 degrees all year long! The stairs leading down to the caves may be icy, too, so use caution.

Once you've reached the cave, you'll notice that the cave floor is covered in a thin layer of ice.

Inside, the cave measures about 650 feet long and is divided into four different sections that are separated by collapsed ceilings.

As soon as you enter the Guler Ice Caves, you'll notice that you're surrounded by intricate, crystal-clear stalactites and stalagmites.

During the winter, these ice structures are formed from dripping water that freezes. The formations stay preserved since the eastern end of the cave serves as a trap to keep in heavy, cold air. If you're lucky, you may even see a phenomenon known as the "Crystal Grotto" - a natural effect (caused by bacteria and fungi, of all things) where the caves seem to sparkle and shimmer.

You can view the ice formations at Guler Ice Caves any time of the year.

Through the early summer, the Guler Ice Caves contain impressive ice features like frozen stalactites and stalagmites. You'll see the most ice if you visit in April and May. As the season warms, the cave loses some of its ice, but remains fun to explore throughout the year, especially during those dog days of summer!

The Guler Ice Caves also have a notable place in Washington history.

The caves once served as a major ice supplier in the state. Early Washington pioneers also used the caves as a natural refrigerator, storing huckleberries and other perishables. Some of the ice from the Guler Ice Caves was even used to chill drinks in local taverns! These ice caves in Washington are basically nature's wine cellar.

The Guler Ice Caves are a spectacular, only-in-Washington experience that all Evergreen State residents should experience.

While planning your trip to these incredible ice caves in Washington State, be sure to come prepared. Don't forget to bring a high-powered flashlight, good hiking boots, and warm layers, since the caves are generally below freezing. Also, the ceiling can be low at times, so be extra careful if you don't wear a helmet. Safety first!

Check out this great footage from inside the Guler Ice Caves, courtesy of YouTube user UncagetheSoul:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaUGgQRgUag

What do you think? Would you explore these ice caves in WA? There are all kinds of fascinating caves in Washington State... we even have a cheese cave! It's kind of incredible, and we can't guarantee it won't have you craving a grilled cheese sandwich.