This is an A level Mazama Hike that occurs in a non-wilderness area. A level hikes are easy or less strenuous hikes with less than 8 miles in distance and less than 1,500 feet of elevation gain. 

Please check out the details tab to learn more about this specific hike, including the route name and meeting location.

Activity Notes

Learn how Mt St Helens' lava formed the features inside of Ape Cave and at the Trail of Two Forests.  Then at the end of a short hike we will see a stunning June Lake complete with a waterfall.  I am a Volcano Naturalist/Volunteer at Mt St Helen’s Institute.  So this hike will combine geology/history with hiking.  Those interested can gather afterward at BevRidge Public in Ridgefield for a bite to eat.

4.75 miles & 500 ft elevation gain (total for all three activities)

 

Bring

  • Clothes for cold/windy/wet 42 degree Ape Cave
  • Light Source for cave (Electric lantern if you have it, Headlight, more light the better)
  • Extra Batteries
  • Sturdy hiking shoes/boots
  • Lunch/snacks
  • 2 liters Water
  • Northwest Forest or America the Beautiful Pass for each car

 

Ape Cave Brochure

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YY5XFWDeeLhm_W36HDbsAU4RCzaz-JbM/view

 

Planned Schedule

7am (approximate) Carpools roll out of Portland/Vancouver area. Participants can coordinate carpools a few days before via group email.

8:40am Meet at Trail of Two Forest Interpretive site (I’ll be up here the night before so this is the official starting place).  Northwest Forest Pass required.  Bathrooms available.  We will consolidate cars for the short drive to Ape Cave were a timed pass is required for each car.  I’ll coordinate getting those.  Northwest Forest or America the Beautiful Pass is required for each car at Ape Cave. Bathrooms available.  https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/trail-of-two-forests. 

9am Guided tour of Ape Cave lower 1.5 mile roundtrip section

    Discover how these features formed:  meatball, bathtub rings, railroad tracks, etc.

11am Picnic Lunch at Trail of Two Forest (optional hike down from Ape Cave if time permits)

11:45am Guided Tour of Trail of Two Forests .75 mile boardwalk (optional crawl through a tunnel)

1pm Drive to trailhead and hike to June Lake 2.5 mile roundtrip & 400 ft elevation gain.

3pm Travel home. 

(Optional stop for bite to eat at BevRidge Public, 4315 S Settler Dr Suite 100, Ridgefield, Washington  Menu https://bevridgepublic.com/#ec58906e-256c-41d0-b147-1329e1954876)

Other Information
General Route Info Will vary based on route chosen. Check the Activity & Leader Notes.
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