Spirit Lake Memorial Highway
Ape Cave, WA

Follow the footsteps of adventurous Boy Scouts who ventured deep within the caverns of Ape Cave, reputed in local legend to be the dwelling place of Sasquatch. The only known basaltic eruption of the Mount St. Helens’ volcano created the caverns of Ape Cave as its fluid lava burned among solid rock and soil. Today, Ape Cave is the longest known lava tube in the continental United States and has two routes, an upper and a lower cave, open for you to explore.

Challenge yourself to climb the twenty-seven towering boulder piles or over the eight-foot ‘lava fall’ in the almost complete darkness of the upper cave. Traverse the ink-like darkness for 1.5 miles until you emerge into the warm sunshine for an invigorating return hike to the entrance. For novice cavers, try the lower cave. The ground is more level, allowing you the opportunity to concentrate less on footholds and more on the mass of cooled lava wedged in the ceiling approximately 12 feet above your head. Affectionately called ‘the meatball,’ it is a not-so-subtle reminder for cavers to wear helmets. Once the end is reached, you must retrace your steps in order to exit the cave.

Become familiar with the surrounding area, wear good hiking shoes, bring extra light sources, and dress warmly. The cave remains a chilly 42°F year-round. The Ape Cave Headquarters is located nearby and offers interpretive walks and, in the summer, offers lanterns to rent. Prepare ahead for unique adventures beneath the earth’s surface, and into the caverns of Ape Cave.