Monday, Sept 17, 2018 - The Ape Caves

We love doing things we've never done before; not too much fear or anxiety to try something new.  We've been in caves before but today's journey with Michael and Lauri was a bit different for us.  We journeyed into the third longest lava tube in the North America known as the Ape Cave.  Below are two links describing its history and naming.  

History of the Apes Cave

Naming of the Apes Cave

We knew it was going to be a bit on the chilly side venturing down into the earth.  I had three layers on and was comfortable.  The temperature is a "cozy" 46 degrees.  You can pay for a lantern or bring your own flashlight.  The four of us had our own flashlights.  It's not a tour - so you go on your own. All you need to pay for is a parking pass for $5 (Thank you Michael and Lauri) and your good to go.  

Once in the cave, it is absolute darkness without a light.  Great place for bats to hold over for the winter, along with mice and a few other creepy crawlies.  All was good though - didn't see any critters.  Definitely need good hiking shoes for the rougher terrain in certain parts of the tube.  If you have issues with claustrophobia, this hike isn't for you.

You cannot touch the walls or remove any rocks - just walk and look.  And truthfully, you really don't want to touch anything because of the lava slime on the walls and critter droppings.  Sadly, it does not seem to matter to some folks - they always seem to feel the need to leave their markings even though you've been requested not to.  There were sections that had a lot of graffiti spray painted, which is always a shame.  

The four of us decided it was best to take the walk down the shorter of the two tubes, which was 3/4 of mile hike each direction.  Leave the longer tube for the whipper-snappers and experts.  Not the 50-somethings with creaky bones.  :)  

Below are some of the awesome pictures John took while we were inside. 

Entrance to the cave

Venturing down below

Michael, Lauri and myself (John taking pictures)

Just inside where the last spect of natural light can be seen.

A good view of the depth and height of the tube.

Looking through one of the holes

The markings were so unique!

Michael and Lauri ahead of us gives you a view of the height - Michael is over 6' tall.

Lots of curves and corners to follow

The Panic Button????  LOL!  Nope.  Not sure what these were for; one was embedded along the walls every few feet.  At the top was it read "Ape Cave"; at the bottom was the number; on the left was the National State Park symbol; and on the right was the silhouette of Sasquatch.

Another hole showing the different minerals and sediments. 

Another close-up of a "panic button"

Natural formations/striations 

This formation is called a meat ball.  The Wikipedia link posted above described this formation.

A teardrop-shaped recess in the ceiling of the lava tube.

The end of our walking - beyond this point you were needing to crawl through as the space narrowed considerably -- even I would have to duck down just beyond this point.  

The light at the beginning of the tunnel.

Our assent out.

What an experience!!

Michael and Lauri taught us a new card game called 99 - and interestingly I WON THE GAME - I never win at games....so I had to gloat for just a little while.  ;)  Beginner's luck.  

We ended this great day with a campfire while roasting hot dogs and marshmallows and listening to Michael's hysterical story telling.  

Thanks to Noelle ( Michael and Lauri's daughter) and her husband Colen for letting us borrow your chairs!

Tomorrow's agenda:  Driving to that little mountain known as Mount St. Helens.  Should be a repeat kind of day with the weather beautiful and sunny, so hopefully we will be able to see what is left of the top and the enormous basin.  Lauri and I were there in 2012, but we weren't meant to see it that day - too cloudy.  Excited to be able to see it this time around.  

Thanks for stopping by!