Ape Cave Lava Tube Tours and Tickets

An all-around light source, such as a lantern, provides the necessary light to maneuver safely in the cave and can be rented from a kiosk.

The trail to the Ape Cave is accessible and kid-friendly, but those with mobility issues may have difficulty entering the cave.

The cave maintains a constant 42°F (5°C) temperature inside, so be prepared with warm clothes, even in warm weather.

Two-hour reservation slots ($2) from recreation.gov are required to visit Ape Cave during the open season, from May through October—check for specific dates online.

This attraction is often paired with the nearby Trail of Two Forests Interpretive site and the superb view of Mount St. Helens, accessed on a trail in the parking lot.

Parking is $5 daily or free with a valid Northwest Forest Annual Pass.