A stunning discovery, a “rainbow cave,” was caught on camera at Mount Rainier National Park.
It was seen illuminating the inside of an ice cave, and the cold crystallized colors were caused by naturally occurring algae.
The light refraction and the thickness of the ice determined the spread of the colors.
However, officials with the National Park Service strongly discourage visitors from entering the ice caves.
They said the caves are prone to spontaneous collapse due to melting, which accelerates this time of year.
In 2015, one person was killed and five others were injured after a collapse at the Big Four Ice Caves in Snohomish County.
It took first responders a couple of days to recover the body of the person killed.
Before reopening the trail, the Forest Service put together a team to look for ways to deter hikers from going into the cave.
©2022 Cox Media Group
