Ape Caves
Ape Caves is a fun, short,
but difficult hike. Ape Caves
is a lava tube. The hike is
only about 2.5 miles long but
is difficult and dangerous.
You will have to hike up and
down large piles of rocks. At
one point there is about an 8
foot wall to climb. It is always
cool in the cave. Notice the
clothes I am wearing. I did
this hike in the middle of
summer. It is also dark. Bring
a good flashlight, a back up,
and extra batteries. I also
suggest either bringing or
renting a lantern. I rented a
lantern and it was worth it.
You see much better than
with just a flash light.
This hike is
dangerous. Please
use caution.
Wikipedia
This cave is actually a lava
tube, and is one of the
longest such in the world at a
length of 12,810 feet. It is
believed that the lava tube
was formed about 2000 years
ago.
Directions: Part of the Mt
St Helens National
Volcanic Monument. I-5
exit 21 (Woodland).
Drive east on Hwy
503/USFS Rd 90 for
35.5 miles. Turn left
(north) onto USFS Rd
83, drive two miles, then
turn left (west) onto
USFS Rd 8303. Drive
one-quarter mile to the
Trail of Two Forests,
then continue another
mile on USFS Rd 8303
to the parking lot of
lower entrance to Ape
Cave.