.![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiek6djVN5JahRMR9axmWPVil0aERv4mJS-JXQHoPYbw3bf3DvaLm9EiVqjnYH6G_TpqE8Pu8ovhs4S_Z9srYQvcva_9bMOykEYsbJQVaqVTPvlceCIfvkimspOERPJ9XRHrtJb7Ixv2vKg/s400/IMG_5136.jpg)
On Sunday morning we hopped in my dad's Land Cruiser and drove down to Mount St. Helens National Monument to explore Ape Cave.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLN47mQTOOFXilziWOIaiOD1FqIi61RL9yZZDnkEv0fhYLtXe6twSRKqkGQwBQQJKSFVUzaQaN431hbaFyidmotjxRJTO3APIicBGLAE_UcI4iHNx2xtoagYTfXnZ0Y5ZO9H-sm43C4Lhj/s400/IMG_5132.jpg)
It was discovered in 1951 by Lawrence Johnson, who nearly drove his tractor into the bottom entrance, above.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DL5EOYqLwCWN-YE9Q3vHZxOgbuBqMDAWjrqHJuZWkEHHp7awgme8_oGX5j30ZhwTcn5Og5j3myb05mVnNCKSmw6NmQMIBrm-AbnuoWyY_DK9r9BhCdcjUoCeKdNnyw0NEw9EeG2DMdpp/s400/IMG_5092.jpg)
His friend Harry Reese had three sons, members of a local outdoor exploration club called the Mount St. Helens Apes; they called the lava tube Ape Cave, and the name stuck.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15gUcBEuvMzKtXoKrlQY_OqE4PXyiuY3xUkMtxi91UXuvk639lTpr35vGBOsw17dJ1aEhuEXF_qSegvtOl5p1QFfIOWC-zte8SHYw8b5sj932Hx9vKt1EJcP35fxsQ38F0KQrRabFJbMZ/s400/DSCN2515.jpg)
After a short walk to the top of the tube, we made our way underground. Emily and I have been to Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, which is gigantic, but feels a little less remote because all the tours are guided. Here you're on your own, save for the other explorers you pass along the way.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi913FNroKaM4qc-i164han-RIRrzffQ9DyysWXnssmF-z4j9DOwplhM1R6qQFt97LZ5hmBsoP5aGmLmKLu-pxJOIz18Cw6bZfSyqN_5iiL_Oez41fnJXl-VmrhsKOs0J2fF92mm3-lOeo-/s400/IMG_5116.jpg)
At over two miles in length, this is the longest known lava tube in the country. It's pitch black and a steady 42º inside.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrUunp3d5r7AN9OTIbIPQjjnvzV-2sb6Wr2YPFaAZ1VGWl2TUDjMkkXKopduxPZWuLyDFNS8gSoqPictwRB8gDHuVdtgx7X-23an9k7IrMAFdTNF_wszI__bjo2E5GCMCojVLFrQ0JMCa/s400/IMG_5101.jpg)
If you go, be sure to bring a headlamp and a good flashlight. It's not a strenuous walk, but some scrambling is required as you pick your way over the rocks, so it's good to wear some stiff-soled shoes or hiking boots.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uwvlNxRwM54K3jgNSuDk9IguggSP_LNaq5-VnGAH67uIV_bV4DznHbnxCn6Dr5KXlEvqJjxh1WAvZPfguw5mwoUUejfThLeC4rE0JI50dqMD_SbEXoJe136bqqOcbi4QJayN8hO3nJ2c/s400/IMG_5142.jpg)
When we were done we stopped in at Cougar, WA for some provisions, and hit the road. It was a cool trip.