Photos and Article by Mara Dobyns
“Life is an adventure.
It’s not about the destination we reach that’s most rewarding, it’s the journey along the way. So write it down! & treasure the memory forever…”
– Barlena Morina
While exploring in Lassen National Forest, take highway 36 to Wilson Lake Road 29 & 63, then make a right onto the 29 N 19 road. Next, find the E. Spur Road off of 29 N 19, and if you’re lucky, you’ll stumble upon a tree marked “Ice” in blue paint. From there just ahead you will find an opening with a couch carved out of a tree, a trailhead, and a mailbox attached to a tree with a beautiful guest book inside. It’s kind of like stumbling upon a hidden door you never knew was there.
The couch is in a small opening of trees and is a pretty neat spot to picnic or just sit and enjoy the wonders of the forest. The trail is about half a mile upward to the ice cave. It’s not bad though. If my three year old can do it, so can you. Even in the sum- mer time when my family and I went, the cave was cool inside and dark. Make sure you dress appropriately and bring flashlights or headlamps.
I can’t imagine how beautiful the cave is in person during winter months but if entering, remember safety first and don’t forget to bring all the right gear, and a partner. Even if you’re not going in, I’m sure it’s still worth seeing. For us, any time is a good time to explore. My dogs and “three-nager” love the freedom of running around outside, and I am always happy to put another family adventure in the books.
We topped off our day with lunch at Highlands Ranch and Resort in Mill Creek. What a treat! The service was great and the food was impeccable,not to mention the meadow in which the resort sits, surrounded by the snow-capped mountains. It doesn’t get much better. Days like these remind me of exactly why I live in the mountains.