Ape Cave Lava Tubes
Ape Cave Lava Tubes
4.5
About
Formed about 2,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption, this is one of the longest lava tubes (12,810 feet) in the world.
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4.5
336 reviews
Excellent
235
Very good
86
Average
11
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Melody H
Lake Charles, LA15 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
They have two sets of tubes visitors can use. We chose the lower because that was easier and it was our first time. The ground is wet and uneven so a lot of balancing is required. We wore jackets and brought our headlamps because it is pitch dark in there. That made it hard to see very much. Also, no bats. We walked down to the end, then turned around and walked back up to the entrance. It was neat to be in a cave, but not exactly riveting.
Written 25 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David Fisher
League City, TX4 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
About 2 hours to complete. My daughter was cold in her sweatshirt. I sweat like a radiator with just LS shirt. Gloves are a must have. Recommend headlight and handheld flashlight. Difficult but if someone can push your rear up, you'll make it no problem
Written 26 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jordan
Columbus, OH291 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Very cool and unique experience. This was a bit off the beaten path bit worth the detour. Buy (very cheap) tickets ahead of time and rent the provided torches. Your phone is not bright enough for the caves. The lava tubes were created by the St Helen's eruption cutting through the Earth. It is just indescribable walking through. It is DARK but so cool.
There is an easier path that took us about an hour. I did not attempt the harder path. I'd recommend it only for experienced cavers and hikers traveling with at least one other person. There are also other outdoor paths to get a good view of the mountain. Also enjoyable.
There is an easier path that took us about an hour. I did not attempt the harder path. I'd recommend it only for experienced cavers and hikers traveling with at least one other person. There are also other outdoor paths to get a good view of the mountain. Also enjoyable.
Written 4 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FamWalters
38 contributions
May 2022 • Family
What a fabulous natural wonder able to explore! Had a great time journeying through a rocky, steep, and uncertain terrain deep under. Only had one fall…could’ve had better lighting on ourselves, but extreme endurance brought us through. A must see and do for the able bodied. We went on the long trail…long trail to the end, then played in snow once above on outdoor descent trail.
Written 3 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann W
25 contributions
Oct 2022
This was so cool to explore the caves/lave tubes, and you can do the easy 3/4 mile lower route or the challenging 1 1/2 mile upper route. The upper route requires some climbing over boulders, and one part has a rope you use to climb up and over the boulders. Layer up because it's cold down there and bring a reliable flashlight, or rent one at the ranger station before the entrance because it's pitch dark, and your cellphone flashlight just won't work. We, unfortunately, did not see any Sasquatchs on this day.
Written 15 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keith
81 contributions
Jun 2021
Arrived mid morning, midweek. We had seen signs on the highway as we were driving to the caves stating that they were closed. We kept our fingers crossed that this wasn't the case. Luckily as we hit the entrance station, we were glad to see they WERE open. Did we have the timed reservation ticket, that you needed to get online, to get in? Uh oh. Nope. Luckily, we were early enough that there were only a couple other people there, so the ranger let us in. Phew. Obtain your ticket before driving all that way!! We did the upper cave, which is the longer and more difficult of the two lava tubes. There are zero signs posted once you get down into the tubes on which way to go. The ranger we talked to earlier caught up with us as we were entering the caves and told us the correct way to go for the upper section. Down the stairs to the bottom then turn below the stairs. If you just go straight at the bottom of the steps, you'll be doing the short "boring" lower section! It is complete darkness down there. We had a head lamp, 2 cell phones, and a small flashlight. The headlamp and cell phones were sufficient for us. You can also rent big lanterns at the ranger station. The fun started and continued throughout the entire "hike" with multiple rock scrambles and a few lava "walls" that you had to climb over (teamwork was needed at these spots if you have a way less than average climber), most will not need any help. It felt like we were in the tube forever thinking, "are we close to the end yet?" Then, we saw light at the end of the tunnel (literally!!). But alas, this was not the end, just a beautiful "hole" in the top of the cave. NOT an exit. It wasn't too much further after that, that we did reach the end. What an amazing an eerie journey it was. We did not see or hear a single sole our entire time in there. It's about another 1.5 miles through the forest to get back to the start. The entire hike, start to finish, took us a bit under 2.5 hours (and we stopped to take a ton of pics while in the caves). Dress in layers as it is a steady 42 in the caves, but was very warm on the hike back. Take your time with it, and just have fun!!
Written 9 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Getaway49998104014
5 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Such an amazing experience! The two caves are large enough that you don’t feel claustrophobic & it’s too amazing to care. If hiking both upper & lower, do lower first to get acclimated to the dark & the uneven lava rock floor. Upper requires some skill climbing rough lava rock piles as high as 20 feet up and down. Sturdy gloves ( I brought leather), good tread on your hiking footwear & 2 light sources (headlamp & flashlight) are a must. There’s an 8 foot rock wall that I needed a little help (slight push on my bum) to get to the top. Some reviews may mention a rope to help you here, but the park removes any ropes, so don’t count on it. The 1.5 mile hike back to the parking lot is easy & the forest smells amazing. Lots of people, (reservations required), but if you find a flat area with no people, turn off your light sources for a moment to experience the cave darkness.
Written 29 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jess_the_TravelBug
227 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
Longtime caver and lover of extreme activities. I did the easier trail due to traveling solo. The cave was fascinating and incredible. Very easy to navigate. Bring two strong flashlights because you want to be able to look up and take everything in. Reservations are required and you need the ability to leave your reservation details on the dashboard. Flashlight rentals exist but I brought my own. Cave is cool temperature wise but not uncomfortable. Want to go back and to the more challenging route with others. Highly recommend to all.
Written 18 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan S
Raleigh, NC1,190 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
So I took the upper tube. While it was rewarding, the 6-8 foot wall at one point seemed insurmountable despite my 6 foot frame. Regardless, the views were indeed amazing. Even the hike back was serene. Bring a waterproof boots, water, and make sure to eat before you get there. Total hike was about 6 miles in and out.
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica K
Tarpon Springs, FL630 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
This is an enjoyable lava tube cave experience. The cave is completely black, but you can (should) rent flashlights from the information station - phone lights are not sufficient. Or else be smart and bring your own flashlights. The cave offers 2 options - the easiest, and a non easy option (both are included with park entry). We did the easy, and it is very easy to stroll through - with flashlights. Our teenagers tried to do the tough one after, but said it was too much climbing and going through spaces on hands and knees kind of exploration. Although they did complete a portion, they didn’t do the whole hard trek. There are several toilet pits near the information station. Facilities are primitive. Definitely bring a jacket/sweater for the lava tube as the temperature was low 50’s high 40’s inside, with an area that had an almost ‘wind tunnel’ blasting of cold air.
Written 24 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There’s a new car ticketing system for the parking lot. Any idea how strict they are on the time window?
Written 5 August 2022
When we went the quarantine was not in effect.
The Ape Caves are in the Mount Saint Helens National Monument area, I would phone them for current information.
The Johnston Ridge Observatory number is 360.274.2140
Written 12 April 2020
Could anyone tell me how difficult the hike is with snow on the ground? We were supposed to go today but some are worried about snow being on the ground. I saw the temperature will be nice and assume that it’s still well traveled. Is it difficult with snow?
Written 31 March 2019
I think the conditions are better now than when we went during snowmaggedon. Maybe some tall boots in case of slush. If the road is still not plowed, walk the road and then up the left hillside to get to the trailhead. It should be clearly marked with other peoples shoe prints.
Written 3 April 2019
Mindysue852
Omaha, Nebraska
Is there a good view of Mt St Helens from this location or would we need to plan on visiting an observatory as well? And if so, what observatory would you recommend?
Written 3 March 2019
No, but the road to Windy Cave offers a partial view, even if it’s only open part of the way. The best view was from the Oregon side, going up the hill from the river, but that’s a bit of a drive from Ape Cave.
Written 4 March 2019
What else is there close by to see/do? Looking at staying over night as it’s a long drive and traveling with a child
Written 27 June 2018
Trail of two forests (cool for kids) and Lava canyon (a little tricky for a novice kid hiker) are nearby, we did them. Not much lodging nearby though.
Written 2 July 2018
I'm looking for transportation to get there from my home in Longview Washington
Written 15 June 2018
jodyneafriend4u
Angwin, California
Does it cost money to get in to explore the caves? Is there a fee for a day pass?
Written 11 June 2018
catsmeow676
Portland, Oregon
Are the caves too narrow for a person with mild claistrophobia? How narrow do they get? Is one route wider than the other?
Thank you!!
Written 11 May 2018
For the most part they are very wide, like the size of a street. There are maybe one or two places where there is a narrow spot to squeeze through but nothing that feels so right that it’s scary.
Written 1 June 2018
You really can't miss it. After going through Cougar the signage is very good.
Written 7 May 2018
I'm not sure the distance from Kelso Washington. Google Maps should be able to pinpoint you to it. It was very easy to find and a last minute recommendation from a friend who's from that area. I believe the fee was $5. You filled out an info envelope and put your money in it, then dropped it in the lock box. They need your info so they know who went in and if they've came out safely.
Written 30 July 2017
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