The Most Unique Hike in America? Ape Cave might be
July 22, 2021
We explored the Ape Cave neat Mount St. Helens in Washington, a chilly, dark lava tube over two miles long. The route leads to a climb up an eight-foot rock wall and scrambles over rock piles.
Remember, no food, pets, smoking, or rock collecting. Please do not touch the walls (although this is unavoidable in particular spots, which harbor cave “slime”, a food source in the cave’s delicate ecosystem. It was cold inside the cave. The average acknowledged cave temperature is 42 degrees. That’s right bring a pullover or jacket…you’ll need it.
At three-quarters of a mile is the crux move: a narrow, slick, and wet, 8-foot lava fall.
This hike or spelunk required significantly more time, caution, and some physical agility than we had originally thought. We climbed up, over, or around the abrasive volcanic rocks, taking care not to twist an ankle or, all too often, bum our heads.
Beyond the lava-fall lie a couple of rock piles (rubble falling from the ceiling of the tube) that required some effort to climb over or to squeeze around.
Make sure to bring two sources of light per person (special note: your shitty cell phone light is not bright enough!!), waterproof shoes, and warm shells.
Help protect Ape Cave
Please refrain from touching the cave walls, although it is impossible in places.
Help protect Ape Cave’s bats from White Nose Syndrome…wipe your feet at the stations and space out your visits to caves,
Between April and October, visitors are required to have reservations to visit Ape Cave. Visitors are required to have one reservation per vehicle that your group is taking to the trailhead. Make reservations at recreation.gov.