Why is Ape Cave closed?
The site was closed to the public in Spring 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to implement a toilet replacement project, according to a press release from the U.S. Forest Service. It has remained closed since that time.
How long does it take to go through Ape Cave?
2.5 hours
Allow 2.5 hours for travel through the upper cave to Ape Cave Trail #239. To help stop the Spread of White Nose Syndrome and to Help Keep Our Caves Open please decontaminate your clothing and equipment before visiting from another cave.
What pass do you need for Ape Caves?
A Northwest Forest Pass, America the Beautiful Pass or Day Pass are required to park at Ape Cave. Passes are sold onsite or online at https://www.discovernw.org/recreation-passes.html. The day pass is in addition to the $2 ticket re servation fee.
Why are they called the Ape Caves?
Ape Cave was named by the Scout Troop in honor of their sponsor, the St. Helens Apes. This local group was made up primarily of foresters.
Are dogs allowed at the Ape Caves?
Dogs are not allowed in the caves, so leave them at your campsite. It takes about an hour round trip to hike the lower easier Caves.
Is Ape Cave kid friendly?
Ape Cave’s lower level is only a half-mile long, no scrambling required. And kids get to hike in an underworld playground with a flashlight or lantern. And no matter if the outside temperature is 90 degrees or 30 degrees, it’s always 42 degrees inside the lava tube.
Are there bats in the Ape Caves?
Although Ape Cave does not get much bat use, there are several lava tube caves in the area that are hibernacula, so the potential for transmission to area bat populations could be high.
Can you see lava at Mt St Helens?
Magma reached the crater and could be seen glowing red through the cracks in the lava dome. Mt St Helens is currently in another quiet phase, but occasionally visitors can still see steam venting from the dome.
Where is the longest lava tube in the United States?
Ape Caves Quick Facts:
- Mount St. Helens National Monument.
- The Ape Caves were created by lava.
- Not just that, it’s the longest lava tube in the continental United States.
- 13,042 feet long.
- 2 miles round trip.
- Formed about 2,000 years ago.
- Named after the scout patrol that did a lot of the first explorations, the Ape Patrol.
How was Ape Cave formed?
Ape Cave formed about 2,000 years ago, when an 8-mile-long lava flow known as the Cave Basalt poured down the southern flank of Mount St. Helens . As it flowed, parts of the lava started to cool, forming a hardened crust and creating an insulated tube for the still-molten lava flowing inside.
Are dogs allowed at the Ape caves?
Will St Helens erupt again?
We know that Mount St. Helens is the volcano in the Cascades most likely to erupt again in our lifetimes. It is likely that the types, frequencies, and magnitudes of past activity will be repeated in the future.