It is a rarity to come across early day descriptions of the various ice caves on the west side of Eagle Lake. The following account was a part of Ada Gerking York’s memoirs (1877-1936). She was raised in Willow Creek Valley and spent most of her married life in Grasshopper Valley.

”Eagle Lake is surrounded by many wonders, especially on the west side, great lava beds of which little is known.  A great volcanic crack extends for ten miles; some places 10 to 15 feet deep, others bridged and so on. The place where I visited had a bridge upon which I went; I found a small hole in the ground and dropped a rock down. It struck far below then rolled, clattering among other rocks, fell again, and was some moments before all was quiet again. One of the party went into the crack and found an entrance to the cave under the bridge, but cannot be explored on account of its depth. Another time I visited the caves, how many I forgotten, and I think there are many yet unexplored; some of them had monstrous holes as openings, and in entering I found large rooms, some of which were exquisitely shaped. One known as “The Grottos” had many stalactites and stalagmites; some have more than one opening and some several apartments. One contains ice and is known as the Ice Cave and ice may be had any time of the year.”

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