Mossy Cave Trail
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The creek crossing near the trailhead can be slippery on wet rock, and there is no bridge — watch your footing, especially with kids. Water shoes or boots with good tread make a difference.
In winter, ice builds up on the trail surface and inside the cave area. Microspikes are strongly recommended from December through March.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Hit both spurs — the fork comes quickly, and most people only visit the cave. The waterfall spur to the right is shorter and arguably more photogenic, especially in spring runoff. Do the waterfall first, then double back to the cave.
Park early or visit late afternoon. The lot holds maybe fifteen cars, and there is no overflow — once it fills, you are circling Highway 12 waiting for someone to leave. Midday in summer is the worst.
Visit in January or February for the ice formations inside Mossy Cave. The frozen curtains of icicles hanging from the overhang are genuinely spectacular, and you will have the trail nearly to yourself. Wear microspikes — the trail glazes over in winter.
Photos
NPS
