Ape Cave

The Ape Cave is the third longest lava tube in North America, spanning 13,042′ long. A short, paved trail leads from the parking lot to the cave’s lower entrance. Once you reach the entrance, you’ll descend two staircases to the floor of the cave and meet the junction between Upper and Lower. The Upper Cave is a rugged, 1.5-mile hike through rock piles, ledges, and fascinating formations. Be cautious where you step and watch your head through this area. The largest challenge comes about 0.8 mile in. There is a tall lava fall that you will need to climb over. A foothold is present, but it’s easiest if you have someone give you a hand. As you near the cave’s exit, you’ll be greeted with a “skylight”, a natural hole in the cave allowing the sun to beam down on you. Slightly farther down the cave, you’ll come to the metal staircase exit. After you climb out, you’ll enjoy a mild hike through the forest back to the parking lot. The trail includes blue diamond snow markers to follow. For a milder adventure, you can explore the Lower Cave. It’s a wide tube with a mostly flat floor that provides a 1.5-mile roundtrip walk.