Washington is a hiker’s paradise. You’ll find diverse, challenging, and beautiful hikes in every part of our state… and just when you think you’ve seen it all, you’ll find something like Skamania County’s Ape Cave Trail. This fascinating hike includes a trek through the 2.5-mile Ape Cave, the longest continuous lava tube in the continental United States.

The Ape Cave Trail is located on the south side of Mount Saint Helens.
Leon Ramos / alltrails.com
From I-5, you’ll take exit 21, head north and east on State Route 503, and continue straight on Spur 503. At 31 miles, Spur 503 becomes Forest Road 90. In 2.5 miles, take a left on FR 83, then a left on FR 8303. You’ll eventually reach the parking lot and the Ape Headquarters Center.
The trail itself is rated as moderate and isn’t extremely difficult, but you’ll want to be aware of the conditions.
Lisa Norwood / Flickr
This hike involves a journey through a dark 42 degree cave. You’ll want to bring sweatshirts and plenty of outerwear, head lamps or lanterns, flashlights and spare batteries. No pets, smoking or food are allowed in the cave.
Head into the Upper Cave for a longer, more challenging experience.
Kristie Pinola / alltrails.com
The upper portion of the lava tube requires more time, caution and agility to explore. You’ll have to climb over several large rock piles while trying not to slip or bump your head.

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If the Upper Cave is too rugged, check out the Lower Cave.
Nancy Fernandez / alltrails.com
It’s a more broad lava tube that descends gently. The floor is flat, and it’s an easier walk.
Ape Cave was formed about 2,000 years ago from lava streaming down Mount Saint Helens.
Adam Wilson / alltrails.com
As the outer edges cooled into a hardened crust, the inner molten lava drained away before it hardened and left the tube.
The cave is named after its first explorers.
Adam Wilson / alltrails.com
A logger discovered the cave in 1950 and quickly told his spelunker friend. A small group of them explored the cave, calling themselves the Mount Saint Helens Apes. The name stuck.
Have one more outdoor adventure this season, or put this experience on your list for next year.
Justice DeCarteret / alltrails.com

Curious? Check out this awesome 4K hiking video of Ape Cave:

Would you hike through Ape Cave? What do you think of this amazing, unique hike in Washington state? We’re obsessed, not going to lie. Up for another adventure? What about crossing the nearby swinging bridge in Washington?

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More to Explore

Unique Hike in Washington State

Tori Jane | May 03, 2023
  1. What is the best unique hike in Washington state? 

Washington state is home to so many amazing hiking trails that it might be tough to decide which ones to do. Honestly? If you ask us? We think you should make time to do them all! Start with the easier ones, then work your way up. Some of the best, most unique hikes in Washington state are ones like:  

  • Hurricane Hill – This incredibly scenic hike is just three miles long, but it leads to some of the most incredible views in the entire state. Worth it!  
  • Whittaker Wilderness Peak Trail – This amazing hike feels like something out of a science fiction novel instead of real life. It’s epic.  
  • Palouse Falls – You don’t get to hike to an amazing waterfall every day, but we can make that day today.  

Learn more about some of the most amazing unique hikes in Washington state.  

  1. Where can I do an awesome cave hike in Washington? 

As we mentioned above, there are so many amazing hiking trails in Washington that you can easily make your whole life out of it! Some of the coolest hiking trails in Washington lead to – or go through – some caves and some of the best cave hikes in Washington are:  

  • Oyster Dome Trail – This one’s pretty tough, but we promise the geological payoff at the end is worth every moment. You’ll find it in the Blanchard State Forest. 
  • Big Four Ice Caves Trail – Oh boy! This trail is easy and leads not only to caves but to incredible waterfalls. It’s perfect. 
  • Cape Flattery Trail – This 1.2-mile easy hike is great for views, caving, and sunsets.  

Learn more about some of the most magnificent trails in Washington.   

  1. What are some other delightfully unique trails in Washington? 

Obviously, with so many amazingly unique trails in Washington to choose from, it’s tough to know where to begin. We promise it’s worth it though! Some of the other most notable, unique trails in Washington are ones such as:  

  • Boulder River Waterfall Trail – This waterfall is incredible, and it’s worth the challenge to get to it.  
  • Ancient Lakes – These awesome lakes ought to be explored by everyone at least once. Experience some of our most amazing geography on this hike.  

Learn more about some of the most exquisite hikes in Washington. 

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Ape Cave, Washington 98616, USA