My friend Sam descending into a lava tube at the Trail of Two Forests.
Ape Cave Lava Tube
Explore the furthest reaches of a lava tube formed from an eruption of Mount St. Helens 1,900 years ago. Explore Ape Cave, a lava tube formed when the surface of a lava flow cooled and hardened, but the molten lava beneath the surface continued to flow. The cave opening can be entered with natural light, but for extended exploration, bring three sources of light, sturdy shoes and warm clothing, as the cave averages 42 degrees Fahrenheit. Lantern rentals, travel directions, and Forest Interpreter talks are available daily during the summer season. Ape's Headquarters is located by Ape Cave on Forest Road 8303. Ape Cave was named by members of an outdoor group called the Mount St. Helens Apes. This cave is the longest continuous lava tube in the continental United States. Two different routes of exploration exist inside the cave and an above-ground trail (Ape Cave #239) connects the main and upper entrances. The lower cave is a relatively easy 0.75 mile hike that takes 1 hour round trip. The challenging upper cave is 1.5 miles long, requires climbing over large piles of rocks and takes 2.5 to 3 hours.
Trail Difficulty: Easy to Most Difficult
-- Excerpts from: U.S. Forest Service, Volcano Review: A Visitor's Guide to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument: Summer/Fall 1995, 1997, and 2000; and Doukas, 1990, Road Guide to Volcanic Deposits of Mount St. Helens and Vicinity, Washington: USGS Bulletin 1859
Trail of Two Forests
This 0.25 mile accessible boardwalk trail allows you to venture through a land of lava. Discover the molds or impressions of an ancient forest engulfed by a lava flow nearly 2,000 years ago, and an emerald forest that has risen from the black basaltic lava. If you bring a flashlight along, there is one opportunity to crawl throught the mold of a tree that stood at this site 2,000 years ago.
-- Exceprts from: U.S. Forest Service, Volcano Review: A Visitor's Guide to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument: Summer/Fall 2000
