Caving

Please Help Save Our Bats!

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease in bats caused by a fungus and has killed millions of bats in the eastern U.S. WNS was recently discovered in Washington. Humans can spread the fungus on their boots, clothing, and gear. You can help prevent the spread of WNS when you visit caves and climbing areas by:

DO NOT wear the same footwear used in other caves unless completely cleaned.
DO NOT bring dogs into caves.
CLEAN your shoes, clothing, and gear of any dirt or mud before entering a cave.
WASH your hands and exposed skin.
CHANGE into clean clothing and shoes before getting into your car to leave a site.
CLEAN equipment with alcohol wipes if equipment is not washable.
WASH clothing, hats, and shoes in hot, soapy water for at least 20 minutes.
If you see bats, please avoid disturbing them and do not touch them.

Caving Areas

Ape Cave Interpretive Site
During the winter from November 1 to May 17, the area is closed to the public, and there is no access allowed without prior authorization, as per 36 CFR 261.53 (b). Access to Ape Cave and Ape Cave Trail #239 is only possible during the open season from May 18 to October 31.

Explore a chilly, pitch-black lava tube over two miles long. A short, paved, accessible trail beneath towering trees leads to a stairwell into the cave. The ¾ mile, one-way lower cave route is relatively easy and family friendly. For the more adventurous, the 1.5 mile upper cave route leads to a climb up an eight foot rock wall and scramble over rock piles, then an exit and a 1.5 mile above ground hike back to the parking lot.

Ape Cave is the third longest lava tube (2.5 miles long) in North America and cave temperature is 42 degrees F/5.6 degrees C year-round. Make sure to bring two sources of light per person (a cell phone light is not bright enough), sturdy shoes, warm clothing, even in warm weather. In summer, Ape Headquarters, a small information station, offers lantern rentals, information and sales items to ticket holders.

Help protect Ape Cave. Please do not touch cave walls or ceiling. Touching kills cave slime, a basis for the food chain of tiny creatures that live there. Help protect our bats and caves from White Nose Syndrome. Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all that you bring with you.

Reservation System: Timed reservations are required to visit Ape Cave during the open season: May 18 through October 31. Choose a two-hour time slot for your desired day on recreation.gov ($2 admin fee). Please see "Reservations" below for more information. Ape Cave Interpretive Site does require a $5 day use fee on site. Display your National Parks Pass (America the Beautiful) or Northwest Forest Pass to cover the $5 fee, or bring cash or check with you to pay on site.

Reservation System, Frequently Asked Questions: English, Spanish, Russian.

Accessible Adventures Video (Ape Cave description at 1:58)
Trail #233 Trail of Two Forests
Mt. Adams area
Mt. Adams area is administered by the Mt Adams Ranger District. This area is located in the eastern portions of Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwest Washington, and comprises 367,000 acres. This area includes Mt. Adams Wilderness, Indian Heaven Wilderness and Trapper Creek Wilderness.

The Lewis River Recreation Area is within Mt. Adams Ranger District. The Lewis River Recreation Area is a 14-mile corridor, situated alongside the Lewis River and Forest Road 90 within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This popular recreation area is located 26 miles east of Cougar, and 29 miles west of Trout Lake, WA. This area provides access to the popular Lewis River Trail #31, and associated waterfall viewing. Advanced reservations via Recreation.gov are required daily during the busy visitor season from June 15 through September 30.

Mt. Adams is a prominent landmark in the area. Elevations here range between 1200 feet at the Wind River Work Center, 12 miles north of Carson, WA., and 12,276 feet at the summit of Mt. Adams. Precipitation varies from 70.7 inches of rain and 65.1 inches of snow at the Wind River Work Center and 44.1 inches of rain and 95.7 inches of snow at the Mt. Adams Ranger District office in Trout Lake, WA. The area features a great diversity of habitats and features, from old growth to second growth forest, wetland areas, low and high elevation meadows, glaciers, and low and high elevation lakes.
Site: Ice Cave Picnic Area

Caving

Caving Areas

Alerts & Warnings

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities