July 5 Led by David Droppers

The Big Four Ice Caves trail is a short trail located along the Mountain Loop Highway in Snohomish County. It’s one of the ten trails I’ve been investigating for my Mountain Loop Highway butterfly project, now in its seventh year! The highlight of the trail is that the climate of the avalanche zone on the north side of the mountain mimics the conditions found several thousand feet higher. Subalpine plant life can be found here too.

I thought it would be a great idea to get WBA members involved, so those that are interested can see one of my research areas, as well as selfishly get more skills and eyes out there, hoping for new records. About 13 people in total showed up for this trip. Of course, many would point out that it could have been far more if I had held the trip on the conventional weekday. But as many of the participants found out, this is why I perform most of my research surveys on weekdays – crowds, crowds, crowds. It was a challenge to show trip participants the butterflies held in forceps or jars, trying best to balance everyone seeing things, but also allowing for other hikers to pass. Other hikers were constantly present, and one could imagine the conga line of hikers that a Saturday would bring – next to impossible to enjoy a WBA trip.

All in all, it was a time of transition at Big Four. Not many individual butterflies were seen. The spring species are bowing out for the year, while the summer species have yet to fully take the stage. 12 species of butterflies were flying (anything over 10 in Snohomish County is a good day!), and we found Satyr Anglewing larvae on the nettles leading just prior to the bridge crossing the Stillaguamish River. We also made a point to look at any moths that made themselves avail- able for admiration. Anna’s Blues, normally seen much later at higher elevations, were common and fresh this day! Despite the special climate of this area, the blues still respond with the earlier melting of the snow.

The hot day was concluded in the picnic area with cold watermelon and the usual species count. The area is beautiful and you should visit – it’s a big payoff for little effort… just stay out of the ice caves.

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