USA Castner Ice Cave

When trail conditions are good, this is a relatively easily accessed ice cave about a 2.5 hour drive south of Fairbanks, Alaska.

I shot hand held just inside the mouth of the cave but shooting more than 100 feet or so would require a tripod and a light source (headlamp or flashlight). Ice crampons would also be helpful.

The hike to the caved is about 1 mile. It is recommended that you hire a guide due to the changing conditions both on the trail and in the cave. The trail was well defined on hard packed snow on the day I went but I was cautioned by a local not to deviate from the trail. I found that to be good advice when I stepped no more than two feet off the trail to snap a picture and sunk to my knees (I’m about 6ft tall). The trail parallels Castner Creek and it’s easily possible to fall into the snow covered creek. Also, there are inherent dangers venturing into an ice cave that a guide would help to avoid. There are no facilities available.