Sandy Glacier Caves, Glacier caves system on Mount Hood, Oregon, United States
Three interconnected ice caves named Snow Dragon, Pure Imagination, and Frozen Minotaur extend over 7,000 feet within Sandy Glacier at Mount Hood.
The cave system remained undiscovered until 2011 when mountaineers Eddy Cartaya and Brent McGregor investigated after viewing Gregory Fowler's YouTube video.
Scientists and photographers document the caves to study glacial deterioration, providing insights into climate change effects on mountain environments.
Winter offers safer exploration conditions, yet visitors must bring crampons and ice axes while remaining cautious of falling ice and rock debris.
The caves form a natural laboratory where researchers found unexpected elements including fir tree seedlings, duck feathers, and temperature-resistant microorganisms.
Location: Oregon
GPS coordinates: 45.38500,-121.71800
Latest update: April 6, 2025 00:44
Mount Hood
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Eliot Glacier
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Cloud Cap Inn
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White River Glacier
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Twister Falls
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Reid Glacier
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Zigzag Mountain
10.3 km
St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church
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Sandy Glacier
469 m
Ladd Glacier
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Upper Sandy Guard Station Cabin
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Valley Theater
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Badger Lake
15.5 kmReviews
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