The Ape Cave Interpretive Site opened for the season last month, providing residents and tourists alike with a unique opportunity to head underground for a volcanic adventure south of Mount St. Helens.
If you’re looking for some climbing, some slime and some Bigfoot lore, the Ape Cave might be the sweet spot.
The pitch-black cave provides a trek into where lava pulsated some 2,000 years ago. When you descend into the darkness, take the “upper cave” path for a longer journey (about a mile and a half), which demands a bit of scrambling.
And while you should keep your eyes on your footing, make sure to catch a glimpse of the glittery — and oftentimes slimy — ceiling. Lava stalactites punctuate the rocky walls, which transform from broad openings to small, watch-your-head crevices as you walk.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, the Ape Cave is the third longest lava tube in North America at 2.5 miles. It was discovered in 1947 by Lawrence Johnson, a logger, but was only explored a few years later by a troop of Scouts, who lowered themselves into the cave and named it after their sponsor, the St. Helens Apes.
The genesis of the cave itself stems from a kind of eruption that was unusual for the Cascades: a basaltic eruption, which involves fluid lava. It’s the only known basaltic eruption of the volcano, and it sent lava pouring down the south side of the mountain.
On your way out, stop at the Trail of Two Forests, where a boardwalk meanders through a young forest situated on a mossy lava field.
Be sure to reserve your spot for a plunge into the Ape Cave at recreation.gov, and bring your coat and plenty of light sources.
To get to the Ape Cave, set your course toward the small town of Cougar on state Route 503/Lewis River Road for about 30 miles beyond Woodland off of Interstate 5. Continue onto Road 90 before eventually turning onto National Forest Road 83. Take a left at National Forest Road 8303 and follow the signs to the cave.
Learn more about the Ape Cave at https://tinyurl.com/34bzmjak.
Learn more about the nearby Lava Canyon Trail at https://tinyurl.com/4uut85f2.
This article is an excerpt from The Chronicle's recently published Southwest Washington Visitors Guide. In the weeks ahead, copies of the guide will be available where visitors gather throughout Western Washington and beyond. Copies are also available at The Chronicle's Centralia office.
