Posted in Washington
October 21, 2016
The 2.5 Mile Hike In Washington That’s Unlike Any Other In The World
Washington is a hiker’s paradise. You’ll find diverse, challenging, and beautiful hikes in every part of our state… and just when you think you’ve seen it all, you’ll find something like Skamania County’s Ape Cave Trail. This fascinating hike includes a trek through the 2.5 mile Ape Cave, the longest continuous lava tube in the continental United States.
From I-5, you’ll take exit 21, head north and east on State Route 503, and continue straight on Spur 503. At 31 miles, Spur 503 becomes Forest Road 90. In 2.5 miles, take a left on FR 83, then a left on FR 8303. You’ll eventually reach the parking lot and the Ape Headquarters Center.
This hike involves a journey through a dark 42 degree cave. You’ll want to bring sweatshirts and plenty of outerwear, head lamps or lanterns, flashlights and spare batteries. No pets, smoking or food are allowed in the cave.
The upper portion of the lava tube requires more time, caution and agility to explore. You’ll have to climb over several large rock piles while trying not to slip or bump your head.
It’s a more broad lava tube that descends gently. The floor is flat, and it’s an easier walk.
As the outer edges cooled into a hardened crust, the inner molten lava drained away before it hardened and left the tube.
A logger discovered the cave in 1950 and quickly told his spelunker friend. A small group of them explored the cave, calling themselves the Mount Saint Helens Apes. The name stuck.
Would you hike through Ape Cave? What about crossing the nearby swinging bridge?
