Ape Cave
Fee required
Parking available
The Ape Cave is a 2.5-mile long lava tube near Mount St. Helens, offering both easy and challenging explorations for visitors.

📜 Longest continuous lava tube in continental U.S.
🔍 Formed over 2000 years ago by lava flows from Mt. St. Helens.

Why Go

🌋 Explore a unique lava tube formation
🚶‍♀️ Choose between easy or challenging routes
🧊 Experience constant 42°F (6°C) underground temperature
📸 See stalactites, stalagmites, and an 8-foot lava fall

Why Avoid

⚠️ Reservations required May-October
🚫 No food, pets, smoking, or rock collecting allowed
👶 Upper cave not recommended for small children
🔦 Requires multiple light sources and sturdy shoes

Tips

🧤 Bring gloves and long pants for the challenging upper cave.
💡 Headlamps are highly recommended for hands-free exploration.
🚗 Save offline directions as data connections can be unreliable.

💰 Cost

Northwest Forest Pass or Sno-Park permit required.

🕒 Hours

Daily 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM; cave open to public May-October.

🅿️ Parking

Large lot available for vehicles, buses, and RVs.
Vault toilets and garbage cans on site.

Last updated 28 days ago

We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Please verify key info.