Hike into the earth at the Ape Cave Lava Tubes just a short distance from Mt. St. Helens. At a roundtrip walk of 2.8 miles, the path is considered mostly easy with a leisurely return hike through lava formations in the forest. The location of one of America’s most well-known volcanic eruptions in 1980, these caves were formed over two millennia ago by slow-moving lava. When the outer layer of lava cooled, the inner magma was able to continue down the hill and drain before hardening, causing walkable tubes. There are two paths to choose from, the Lower Cave or the Upper Cave. Though considered safe, there are puddles and loose rocks throughout the caves, and the Upper Cave is the more rugged of the two trails.
Address: 705 2nd Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98104, Phone: 206-625-1367