Ape Cave Trail

Yes, timed reservations are required for entry into Ape Cave during its open season, which typically runs from May to October. It's advisable to check the official Gifford Pinchot National Forest website for the most current reservation information and operating hours.

The main access point is the Ape Cave Interpretive Site, which has a parking lot. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak season, as parking can fill up quickly. The trailheads for both the Lower and Upper Caves are accessible from this site.

The cave is typically open from May to October. Visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) might offer a less crowded experience. Always check the official website for current operating dates and reservation availability.

No, pets are generally not allowed inside Ape Cave to protect the delicate cave environment and for visitor safety. Service animals are permitted.

The cave is a dark, rocky, and often damp basalt lava tube. The trail is divided into two sections:

• Lower Cave: This 0.75-mile section is relatively easy and family-friendly, with a mostly flat but uneven path.
• Upper Cave: This 1.5-mile section is significantly more challenging, involving scrambling over large boulder fields and climbing an 8-foot lava fall. It requires good physical conditioning and basic caving experience.

You will need at least two reliable light sources per person (headlamps are ideal), as the cave is pitch black. A jacket or warm layers are essential due to the consistent 42°F (5.6°C) temperature. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good traction are also highly recommended for the uneven and potentially slippery terrain.

Beyond the timed reservation for cave entry, a valid recreation pass (such as a Northwest Forest Pass, America the Beautiful Pass, or day-use fee) may be required for parking at the Ape Cave Interpretive Site. Always check the Gifford Pinchot National Forest website for current fee requirements and regulations.

Inside the cave, you can encounter unique geological formations. In the Lower Cave, look for 'The Meatball,' a large lava boulder wedged overhead. The Upper Cave features an 8-foot lava fall that requires climbing and a natural skylight towards its end, offering a welcome ray of sunshine. You can also explore the Ape Cave Interpretive Site/Lower entrance and the Ape Cave - Upper Entrance.

The Lower Cave section is generally considered family-friendly and suitable for most children, as it's less strenuous. However, the Upper Cave is much more challenging and is not recommended for young children or those with limited mobility due to the boulder fields and lava fall climb.

The cave maintains a consistent temperature of 42 degrees Fahrenheit (5.6 degrees Celsius) year-round, making it quite chilly. It is also completely dark, and surfaces can be damp or wet, with 'cave slime' present on walls and ceilings. Be prepared for a cool, dark, and potentially slippery environment.

Both the Lower and Upper Cave sections are primarily out-and-back if you retrace your steps within the cave. However, if you complete the Upper Cave section, you will exit through a skylight and then follow an additional 1.5-mile above-ground trail back to the parking lot, making it a partial loop experience for the Upper Cave portion.