FR-8303
Mount St. Helens (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. Ape Headquarters is open seven days a week, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Plenty of parking. No fees if you're just coming to purchase something from the 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

July 30, 2019. Tokens are of great quality. MWHTH