FR-8303
Mount St. Helens - 9.4 miles past Cougar, WA, WA , 98616-0000

Phone: (360) 891-5000

Website

Ape Cave was discovered in 1947 by a logger named Lawrence Johnson. However, the cave was not explored until the early 1950's when a scout troop, led by Harry Reese, lowered a team of scouts down a 17-foot overhang to the cave floor. Leaving footprints where no one ever had, these explorers were able to travel through a pristine lava tube full of fragile formations. Ape Cave was named by the Scout Troop in honor of their sponsor, the St. Helens Apes. This local group was made up primarily of foresters. The sponsor’s name, St. Helens Apes, may have come from an old term used for foresters in the area, "brush apes," or from the legend of Bigfoot.Ape Cave is the third longest lava tube (13,042’ long) in North America. The cave is a constant 42 degrees year round. To explore the cave, bring a recommended 2-3 light sources per person.

From I-5 take Exit 21 to Highway 503 to Cougar WA then take Lewis River Road east for 2.8 miles. The road then changes to Forest Road 90. Continue on Forest Road 90 to Forest Road 83, approximately 4 miles and turn left. Drive Forest Road 83 for 3 miles then turn left onto Forest Road 8303. Drive approximately 1.5 miles, past Trail of Two Forest, Apes' Headquarters is located at Ape Cave on Forest Road 8303 on the left.

Hours of operation: During the winter from November 1 to May 17, the area is closed to the public. Access to Ape Cave and Ape Cave Trail #239 is only possible during the open season from May 18 to October 31. 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. Ape Headquarters is open May 18 through October 31 Monday through Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Plenty of parking.

Admission: No fees if you're just coming to purchase something from the Ape Headquarter building. A Northwest Forest Pass, America the Beautiful Pass or $5 in the fee tube is required to park while using the trails or visiting the cave. A Washington State Sno-Park Pass requred for winter parking (December 1st to March 31st) at Trail of Two Forests parking lot and not available on site. Purchase pass before arrival.

Small Tokens in gift shop:
1) 'Mt St Helens Johnson Ridge Observatory', building and mountain/ rear- 'Mt St Helens Johnson Ridge Observatory', mountain. (rectangle)
2) 'Mount St. Helens Erupted May 18, 1980, 3000 Ft Plume/ Rear- Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument EST 1982 (round)
3) 'Big Foot', footprint/ Rear- 'Sasquatch' walking. (round)
4) 'Smokey', His head/ Rear- 'Only You Can Prevent Wildfires'. (round)

Large Tokens in gift shop in gold and silver colors:
Obverse: Spirit Lake in front of Mount St. Helens pre-eruption with 'Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument'.
Reverse: Spirit Lake in front of Mount St. Helens post-eruption venting steam with 'Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument'.

The tokens and token books are for sale in the gift shop within the Headquarters building.

G.P.S. coordinates: Latitude: N46° 6' 30.546" Longitude: W122° 12' 41.4756"
Google Maps coordinates: 4Q5Q+9C Cougar, Washington

Moved 1: (Penny): Is located at the Lone Fir Cafe in Cougar which is 9.4 miles before the Ape Caves. Cost to press: 51 cents each. Designs are: 1) 'Mount St. Helens National Monument', Image of Mt St Helens after the eruption and area, 2) 'Ape Cave, Cougar Washington Discovered 1951', Image of area in an oval, 3) 'Bigfoot Found Me in Cougar, Washington', Bigfoot walking right.

March 15, 2026. Verified that the penny machine described here is NOT at the Ape Caves but is located before the Ape Caves in Cougar Washington at the Lone Fir Cafe. MWHTH.