Ape Cave at Mount St. Helens to open on May 18

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The Gifford Pinchot National Forest has announced Ape Cave at Mount St. Helens will open to the public on May 18.

Timed reservations are required, according to a release. Entry tickets became available on April 15.

According to Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Ape Cave is the third longest lava tube in North America, measuring 2.5 miles long. The cave temperature is 42 degrees year round.

“Make sure to bring two sources of light per person (a cell phone light is not bright enough), sturdy shoes, warm clothing, even in warm weather,” stated a news release. “In summer, Ape Headquarters, a small information station, offers lantern rentals, information and sales items to ticket holders.”

Those who visit are advised to not touch cave walls or the ceiling in order to help protect the cave.



“Touching kills cave slime, a basis for the food chain of tiny creatures that live there,” stated the release. “Help protect our bats and caves from White Nose Syndrome. Practice leave no trace principles by packing out all that you bring with you.”

To get to Ape Cave from Interstate 5 Northbound, take Exit 21 and take a right on Lewis River Road. Take that road for about 30 miles. Continue onto Road 90 before eventually turning onto National Forest Road 83. Take a left at National Forest Road 8303 and follow the signs to the cave.

Entry tickets are available online at recreation.gov. There is a $5 fee per vehicle per day at the site. People can also utilize a valid Recreation Pass.

For more information, go online to bit.ly/3KzbOFN.