Ape Caves & Volcano Viewpoint

on the trail

lower ape cave

1.5 MILES ROUND TRIP, DIFFICULTY: EASY Day HiKE

The Ape Caves on the south side of Mount St. Helens are some of the longest basalt flow lava tubes in North America. The lower tube is a family-friendly 0.75 mile one-way trip. Headlamps and layers are necessary. The cave temperature is 42F year-round. *Timed reservations are required*.

upper ape cave

3.0 MILES ROUND TRIP with 360 feet of elevation gain, DIFFICULTY: STRENUOUS 1, TECHNICAL 2 ALPINE SCRAMBLE

The Ape Caves on the south side of Mount St. Helens are one of the longest basalt flow lava tubes in North America. The upper tube is 1.5 miles of more rugged terrain, requiring scrambling over piles of breakdown and an 8-ft high lava fall that has only one good foothold. At the end, you can exit out the upper entrance and hike a 1.5 mi above-ground trail back to
the visitor center, or retrace your route through the cave. *Timed reservations are required*.

volcano viewpoint trail

1.6 MILES ROUND TRIP WITH 400 FEET OF ELEVATION GAIN, DIFFICULTY: EASY DAY HIKE

A new trail constructed in 2014 on the south side of Mount St. Helens takes you to a viewpoint for the lava flows, Ape Caves and Mount St. Helens. It's 1.6 miles round trip and 400 feet of elevation gain and a high point of 2,50 ft.

trail of two forests

0.3 MILES ROUND TRIP INTERPRETIVE TRAIL, DIFFICULTY: EASY DAY HIKE

This interpretive boardwalk near Ape Caves walks you through the interesting geology of the Mount Saint Helens basalt flow. You can even get underground and crawl through tree molds formed as lava hardened around and then burned away fallen logs.

notes

• Bring strong headlamps or other light source for the lava tubes.  Lanterns can be rented at the Ape Caves Headquarters Center.
• When hiked together, these two trails total 4.1 miles and 760 feet of elevation gain.
• Consider combing with a hike to June Lake (2.6 miles, 450 feet).

• Suitable Activities: Day Hiking, Scrambling
• Seasons: May, June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 2.6 mi
• Elevation Gain: 200 ft
• High Point: 2,475 ft

• Land Manager: Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12