To reach this geological marvel, take exit 21 off I-5 and
head east on highway 503. Remain on course as 503 merges to Lewis River Rd and
again to Rd 90. Take a left on NF-83 and another left on NF-8303. There will be
plenty of signs to point you in the right direction.
The Ape Caves of Gifford Pinchot National Forest is one of
the most unique features created by the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens. These remarkable
caves were hollowed out by flowing lava forcing its way through rock and solid
earth.
Make sure and Suit Up! It will be cold underground. Bring long
sleeves, headlamps, and gloves. Emphasis on the gloves! Not only will gloves
protect you from the cold, but they will shield you from the bat do-do caked on
the cave walls.
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| Mt. St. Helens from Ape Cave Trail |
From the parking lot, follow the Ape Cave trail past the main entrance in route to the Upper Cave entrance. You will travel above ground for about 1.5 miles before reaching the Upper Entrance. There will be plenty of views of Mt St. Helens and its unique (ashy) landscape.
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| Upper Cave Entrance |
At the end of the trail, locate a narrow hole in the ground
and jump in! A metal latter will assist you in your descent into the lava tube.
The Upper Cave portion is much more
difficult than the Lower portion. Be prepared for 25+ rock piles to maneuver through
and a lava wall of 8ft.
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| Sky Light |
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| Upper Cave |
The more difficult, upper portion of the cave, can be skipped if you aren't up for it. However, the challenge is worth it.
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| Lower Cave Entrance |
Once you
pass the above entrance, the upper cave ends and the lower cave begins. This portion
of the cave is shorter and much easier to navigate.
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| Arch |
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| Narrowing Cave |
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