Is anyone out there an amateur spelunker like I am? Visiting a cave can be like seeing a whole other world. The state of Washington is home to hundreds of caves, many of which you can explore. One such cave is Boulder Cave, located in the Wenatchee National Forest. It’s one of the best cave trails in Washington.
The Boulder Cave Day Use Site is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and attracts more than 30,000 visitors every year.
The hike out to the cave is 1.5 miles roundtrip and should take you about an hour. It is a dirt and gravel path with a few rougher areas as you head closer to the cave’s entrance.
There is a 400-foot gain in elevation.
It was built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, with many improvements made for safety and accessibility since then.
As you journey along to the cave, you’ll follow a small ravine and come across ponderosa pines and Douglas firs as well as interpretive signs educating you about the area’s history and environment.
Boulder Cave was formed over 10 million years ago from lava flows with sediment deposits eroded by Devil’s Creek.
The basalt rock cave is 330 feet long.
More of a tunnel than a cave, you go in one way and pop out the other.
Due to the dwindling population of big-eared bats and Boulder Cave being a home for these creatures, it is closed from the end of September to the end of May for the bats' hibernation period.
So if you want to access the inside, please plan accordingly.
Once you get inside, feel free to explore the unique interior of the cave. Bring a headlamp or flashlight for better sight.
But be sure to not point it directly at the ceiling or walls for the safety of the bats. You’ll also want to stay as silent as possible in order to not disturb them.
And in order not to spread white-nose syndrome, which is deadly to bats, take extra precautions not to touch the cave walls and clean your shoes both before entering and then exiting the cave.
Also, be sure to dress warmly. No matter how hot it is outside, the cave stays at about 50 degrees.
Once you're done exploring, consider making a day out of it and having a picnic back at the trailhead!
Learn more about visiting Boulder Cave.
Need some footwear or headlamps for your hike? Check out all that Backcountry offers for hiking gear.
Have you ever been to Boulder Cave? What are your favorite cave trails in Washington? Tell us in the comments!
Looking for places to cool off in The Evergreen State? Check out these Washington swimming holes.
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