Ape/Lava Cave + Mount Saint Helen's Vista FULL

Ape Cave is the third longest lava tube (2.5 miles long) in North America and the cave temperature is 42 degrees F/5.6 degrees C year-round. Make sure to bring two sources of light per person (a cell phone light is not bright enough), sturdy shoes, warm clothing, even in warm weather. The cave was named by the Boy Scout troop that explored the cave in the early 1950s.
Ape Cave formed about 2,000 years ago, when an 8-mile-long lava flow known as the Cave Basalt poured down the southern flank of Mount St. Helens. As it flowed, parts of the lava started to cool, forming a hardened crust and creating an insulated tube for the still-molten lava flowing inside. Scientists estimate that the lava in the Ape Cave tube continued moving for as much as a year. Eventually, the last of the molten lava drained out through the hardened tube, leaving the interior empty. Over time, sections of the hollow tube collapsed from above, creating several natural skylights. The largest of these collapsed sections now forms the entrance to the cave.
Reservations are required and were purchased by your hosts for two cars.
We will stop by the suspension bridge portion of a neary trail and stop at a viewpoint before heading back.
As mentioned above- please bring a headlamp and flashlight or lantern, warm clothes, sturdy shoes. Only water is allowed (no food). Due to narrow spaces, do not bring a bulky backpack.
Trails we would do :
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/ape-cave-trail
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/ptarmigan-trail

If you plan on being a rider please bring $40 for your driver towards gas, park entrance fees etc. ( Pay your Driver when you enter their car !)
Bring a plastic bag to place your boots in after the hike.
Important: You and yourself alone are responsible for your own safety. Please know your abilities before signing up.
After the hike we will stop off at a local restaurant support small business
RSVP ETIQUETTE: Since we have limited space I ask that you be considerate of others and commit to your RSVP. Your no-show may prevent someone else from attending and you from attending other limited events like this.
Remember if you miss this event. You'll miss an awesome experience .
By signing up for this event, you affirm that you and your guests alone are responsible for your own safety.
You and your guests attend at your own risk, and that Hosts and Organizers are indemnified.**