Name: Ape Cave
Rating: 4.6

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Dogs No Dogs

Features Cave

As of October 2021, a $2 timed entry parking ticket is required. recreation.gov/timed-entry/…

Overview

Looking for a different type of journey? This trail that includes navigating an underground tunnel through old lava tubes is sure to please! Just make sure to bring the headlamp!

Need to Know

You'll NEED a strong flashlight, headlamp, or lantern. The ranger station at the trailhead will rent a lantern for a nominal fee. The USFS recommends at least two light sources and extra batteries. You'll also need warm layers. The tunnel stays 42 degrees year round as it is insulated from the weather outside.

Note that while leashed dogs are allowed on the surface trails around the cave, they are NOT permitted inside the cave itself. It is not safe for them (the floor of the cave can be sharp and may cut paws) or considerate for other cave users. Dogs may also be carriers of white-nose syndrome, a fungus-borne disease that can be fatal to bats.

Description

A short distance from the parking lot brings you to the entrance to the tunnel. The tunnel itself is straight-forward, and there is no way to get lost, although there are two sections. The lower tunnel is fairly easy, with no obstacles. It is very good for children.

The upper tunnel requires some light scrambling: As you navigate the upper tunnel, expect to climb over rocks that have fallen into the pathway. Once you reach the end of the upper tunnel, you'll see a ladder leading back to the surface.

Following the path will take you back to the parking lot through a forested trail. The darkness of the cave, in contrast to the vitality of the forest excites the senses, and will make any visitor appreciate the various flora and fauna along the path.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Office

Shared By:

Ben Wagner with improvements by Cameron Booth and 1 other

Full Details

Trail Ratings

4.6 from 28 votes

#1

in Mount St. Helens National Monument

#434

Overall

4.6 from 28 votes

5 Star		71%
4 Star		18%
3 Star		11%
2 Star		0%
1 Star		0%

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4 Views Last Month

2,311 Since Dec 17, 2015

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Photos

Taking off the headlamp at the end of the upper tunnel.

Dec 18, 2015 near Amboy, WA

Dec 28, 2015 near Amboy, WA

One of the few openings to natural light in Ape Cave.

Dec 16, 2015 near Amboy, WA

Ape Cave Lava Tube: Beneath the famous Meat Ball

Dec 28, 2015 near Amboy, WA

The darkness in the Ape Cave is both unearthly and exciting.

Dec 28, 2015 near Amboy, WA

The Ape Cave (Lava Tube) is the main attraction.

Dec 28, 2015 near Amboy, WA

2 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown

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Check-Ins

Sep 12, 2021

Jamie F

Sep 2, 2021

Shannon Tokumaru

With alaina June 2021

Jul 2, 2021

Emily R

Great day to hit the caves! 2.5mi

Sep 7, 2019

Mia Arn

Aug 3, 2019

Connor White

Took the upper cave this time; lots of scrambling and fitting through small gaps made for an exciting time! The trail back was pretty too! 4mi — 1h 30m

Jul 20, 2019

Adriann Jordan

Thigh-burner and ankle breaker! Lol! Upper cave! 4mi

Jun 28, 2019

Lauren LeFebvre

Did lower (easier) cave.

Jun 24, 2019

Private User

Jun 8, 2019

Nikolle Selland

Oct 8, 2018

Brian Kleeger

2.5mi

Jul 25, 2018

Martin P

3h 26m

Jul 10, 2018

Eugene K

2.8mi

May 15, 2018

Rich Mirabella

Apr 22, 2018

Austin Holbert

It was badass! Felt like you were getting rained on the whole time but it was a blast!

Nov 15, 2017

Linda Kim

Oct 2, 2017

Ricardo Aguayo

4mi — 2h 00m

Aug 23, 2017

Heather Findley

Aug 19, 2017

Nathan Cherzan

Jul 18, 2017

Julie Irwin

Jun 17, 2017

Mike Vincent

My family (kids ages 10 & 9) hiked the lower tube. It was an easy hike with lots of uneven surfaces. Most young children should be able to hike here. — 2h 00m

Jun 11, 2017

jazmine wilson

May 27, 2017

Emily R

Hiked the lower tunnel with my parents and my 3.5yo. Our little guy hiked the whole way in with just a bit of help, but rode shoulders on the way out.

May 21, 2017

Deymar Rios

May 1, 2017

David Velazquez

May 1, 2017

J Gerardo

2.5mi

Apr 29, 2017

J Gerardo

Bring lanterns or head lamp and dress warm. A lot of obstacles. But very fun to do, very different then your average trail. 2.5mi — 1h 00m

Apr 22, 2017

Scott Johnson

Main parking lot was closed 4/22/2017 so we parked at the lower lot and walked on the road 3/4 mile to cave entrance. Snow on trail but no issues.

Aug 14, 2016

Cameron Booth

Did the long part of the cave, lots of scrambling and climbing. Then back to the car park via the hot and dusty surface trail. Good times!

Aug 6, 2016

El Devitt

4mi

Jul 18, 2016

Ciam Sawyer

Jun 25, 2016

Bill Becksquatch

Bring extra flashlight.

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Ape Cave

“Underground tunnel through old lava tubes. ”

2.5

4.1

Point to Point

2,458' 749 m

2,081' 634 m

369' 112 m

377' 115 m

6%

14%

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Know This Trail?

Dogs No Dogs

Features Cave

Overview

Need to Know

Description

Contacts

Shared By:

Trail Ratings

#1

#434

#1

#40

#434

Photos

2 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Check-Ins

Nearby Recommended Routes

Mount St. Helens Winter Route: Worm Flows

June Lake Loop

Norway Pass

Trapper Creek Out-and-Back

Falls Creek Falls Loop

Panther Creek Falls Trail #137

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