Ape Cave, Mount St. Helens
When Mount St. Helens was formed, some lava flow would cool, and leave a crust. Eventually, the inside lava would run out, leaving a long tube. This is how the Ape Caves at Mount St. Helens was formed. It is now the longest lava tube in the USA at almost 3 miles long. Most of this is hike-able and makes for a very different experience.
Today we hiked the lower cave, about 3/4 mile each way. It is cold, a constant 42 degrees. And wet, with dripping water everywhere. And it is VERY dark! But is a popular hike, and we met a lot of people, moving like ghosts in the dark.
The way into the cave
A side tube, about 3 feet in diameter
A look at some of the unusual ceiling configuration
Somehow, a big rock wedged into the ceiling
The cave narrows in some areas
On the way out a strange picture
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