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 and out of Ape Cave and explore the Trail of Two Forests.  I am a Volcano Naturalist/Volunteer at Mt St Helen’s Institute.  So this hike will combine geology/history with hiking. 

4.5 miles & 570 ft elevation gain (total for all activities)

 

Bring

Clothes for cold/windy/wet 42 degree Ape Cave<br> Light Source for cave (Electric lantern if you have it, Headlight, more light the better)<br> Extra Batteries<br> Sturdy hiking shoes/boots<br> Lunch/snacks<br> 2 liters Water<br> 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

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

10 am Meet at Trail of Two Forest Interpretive site.  Northwest Forest Pass or American the Beautiful pass required for each car.  Bathrooms available.

Guided Tour of Trail of Two Forests .3 mile boardwalk (optional crawl through a tunnel) https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/trail-of-two-forests.

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 also. Bathrooms available.  

11 am Guided tour of Ape Cave lower passage 1.5 mile roundtrip section

    Discover how these features formed:  meatball, bathtub rings, railroad tracks, floor scratches, lava-sicles etc.

1 pm (approximate) Picnic Lunch 

Hike the trail above ground to the end of the upper cave (see a few more geological features).  Optional climb down to experience the portion of cave beyond the upper passage.

If the day is hot we will do the hike first.

5pm Travel home. 

6:30-7pm arrive in Portland.

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