Ape Cave Trail No. 239
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.
Ape Cave Trail No. 239
USDA Forest Service
Backcountry Trail
- Length
3.5 miles
- Elevation Gain
--
- Route Type
out & back
- Length
3.5 miles - Elevation Gain
-- - Route Type
out & back
Location: In the Gifford Pinchot NF, just N of Lava Tubes above the Swift Reservoir Dam. Access from I-5 on SR 503, Co. Rd. 17, and FS Rds. 90, 83, and 8303.
- States: Washington
- Counties: Skamania
The longest intact lava tube in the continental U.S., with interpretative signs about formation, unique features, and fragile life within a lava tube. The full experience at Ape Cave includes the easy exploration of the spacious lava tube, followed by more difficult travel through a smaller, longer, and more rugged lava tube to an exit. Then, enjoy an easy return hike winding through shady forests and crusty lava formations. There are two main exploration routes - lower trail with lava 'ball', upper=challenging. Ape Cave receives 170,000 visitors annually.
Accessibility Information
No text provided.
Allowed Uses:
Dogs, on leash Hiking/WalkingPublic Contact
Jim NielandGifford Pinchot National Forest
Mount St. Helens NUM
Amboy, WA 98601
(360) 247-3946
www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=34143
Contact the trail manager for current maps and visiting details.
More Details
- Elevation (low): --
- Elevation (high): --
- Elevation (cumulative): --
- Part of a Trail System? No
- Surface (primary): --
- Surfaces (additional): --
- Tread Width (average): 60"
- Tread Width (minimum): --
- Running length (minimum): --
- Tread Grade (average, percent): --
- Tread Grade (maximum):
- Running length (maximum): --
- Cross-slope (average, percent): --
- Cross-slope (maximum): --
- Running length (maximum): --
- Certified as an NRT
May 19, 1986