Ape Caves & Volcano Viewpoint
An easy day hike on the south side of Mount St. Helens. The trails take you through forests, into lava tubes and to a good viewpoint. Good headlamps and a lack of claustrophobia are a must for the lava tubes.
on the trail
ape caves & lava tubes
The Ape Caves on the south side of Mount St. Helens are one of the longest basalt flow lava tubes in North America. There are 2 tubes. The lower tube is 1.5 miles round trip. The upper tube is 2.5 miles round trip with 360 feet of elevation gain to a high point of 2,450 ft.
volcano viewpoint trail
A new trail constructed in 2014 on the south side of Mount St. Helens takes you to a viewpoint for the lava flows, Ape Caves and Mount St. Helens. It's 1.6 miles round trip and 400 feet of elevation gain and a high point of 2,50 ft.
notes
- Bring strong headlamps or other light source for the lava tubes. Lanterns can be rented at the Ape Caves Headquarters Center.
- When hiked together, these two trails total 4.1 miles and 760 feet of elevation gain.
- Consider combing with a hike to June Lake (2.6 miles, 450 feet).
- Suitable Activities: Day Hiking
- Seasons: May, June, July, August, September, October
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 2.6 mi
- Elevation Gain: 200 ft
- 2,475 ft
- Land Manager: Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument
- Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- Green Trails Mount St Helens NVM No. 332S
- Green Trails Mt St Helens No. 364
This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.
- Ape Caves
- Ape Cave & Lava Tubes
- Ape Caves & Volcano Viewpoint Trail
- Volcano Viewpoint Trail
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