Ape Cave
Cougar, WA
A lava tube over two miles long on the south side of Mount St. Helens. The lower cave is an easy walk in the dark; bring two lights and warm clothes, and book a timed entry in summer.
- Nearest town
- Cougar, WA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 46.1085, -122.2119
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Climbers BivouacCampsite3 mi from Ape Cave · 14 pitchesTentsFree
- Beaver Bay CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Ape CaveTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Lower Falls CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Ape Cave · 60 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Lewis River Horse CampCampsite18 mi from Ape CaveTentsCaravansToilets
- Falls Creek Horse CampCampsite20 mi from Ape CaveTentsToilets
- Forlorn Lakes Campground: Sites 9-12Campsite24 mi from Ape CaveTentsCaravans
All campsites in Washington · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Ape Cave?
Ape Cave is in Cougar, WA, at GPS 46.1085, -122.2119. It is about 10 mi from Windy Ridge.
Can you camp near Ape Cave?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Climbers Bivouac, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 37 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Ape Cave?
Ape Cave is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mount St. Helens south and east: Ape Cave to Windy Ridge.
What is there to see near Ape Cave?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lava Canyon (7 mi), Windy Ridge Viewpoint (10 mi), Johnston Ridge Observatory (12 mi) and Beacon Rock State Park (34 mi).
When is the best time to visit Ape Cave?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)