The Ape Caves

I think this is the closest I've ever been to Mount St. Helens. We were on our way to hike the Ape Caves, which is a famous lava tube located on the south side of St. Helens in Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

The lava tube is named the Ape Cave because a Boy Scout troop first explored the cave in 1950 and named it for the St. Helens Apes (their sponsor). That's the offcial statement. However, there are people in these parts who believe that the Ape Caves was once home to Sasquatch.

Our descent into the lava tube begins...

In 1947 the entrance was discovered by a logger whose truck fell through the ground revealing the cave beneath.

Not gonna lie. It was a chilly 42 degrees Farenheit down there.

Bruce, our fearless leader...

Lava tubes are naturally formed tunnels through which lava flows when a volcano erupts. Once the lava cools and hardens, it can form a tunnel.

The roof of the tunnel develops first while the rest of the lava continues to flow beneath. Eventually the sides and then the bottom cools and hardens as well creating a lava tube through which future lava can flow. Pretty cool, aye?

The walls are damp, and the rocks under your feet are somewhat sharp. I should know. I was the only one in our troop that managed to trip and fall.

Confession: As we hiked and talked, I imagined myself in the Mines of Moria...

...or on a quest for the heart of the island. By the way, did I mention how chilly it is down here? I can see why Sasquatch lived here. Apparently he likes his crib air conditioned.

We hiked the lower end of the lava tube and 3/4 of a mile later made it to the end. If you're not claustrophobic, the path continues just under the ledge behind Heather. At that point, you have to crawl to continue and eventually it just dead ends.

When first erupted, lava can be 1300 to 2200 degrees Farenheit (according to wikipedia). That's pretty amazing to contemplate while hiking through the now frigid Ape Cave once flowing with hot lava.

We left the way we entered. From this point is a two mile hike in the upper lava tube, which we are hoping to hike next week when we have more time and warmer clothes and more powerful lighting.