Apes? Apes? Where? The mysterious and fun ApeCaves

Editor’s Note: We didn’t receive any submissions for the Mt. St. Helens section of Hidden Gems, although we find it hard to believe nobody has any great pictures laying around!

So, this month – we are accepting photos of the Ape Caves, and maybe even you yourself in the photo! Doesn’t matter if the photo is recent or not – send it in for a chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate to either Rutherglen Mansion or Crystal Glow Day Spa!

editor@valleybugler.com
705 Vandercook Way,
Longview, WA 98632

If you love adventure, then you are in for a special treat with the timeless Ape Caves, found in Woodland WA, just off Highway 503. The same temperature year-round, this makes for a fun Fall or Winter escapade, as well as the spring or summer!

The Ape Caves were named by the Boy Scout Troup that found the caves – and they named it after themselves! Wouldn’t it be fun to discover something, and forever etch your name in history by naming it after yourself?

It is about 42 degrees inside the caves, so a solid layer or two of warm clothing, and a breathable jacket are highly recommended. Sturdy running or hiking shoes are a must, for the ground can tend to be slippery in places.

Not recommended for those who are clausterphobic, the caves require 2 light sources per person, according to Tourism Director, Mark Plotkin.

It’s certainly a family friendly escapade into the scientific world of spe-lunking, but some of the trails can be quite difficult. If you choose to not go all the way through, the trail remains pretty easy – but the farther you go, prepare for more exertion and tougher slopes and scrambling.

That being said, it would be a fun trip to learn about caves and how they are formed. Study up on caves before you leave, and plan to take some really funky pictures.

The underworld is always a fun place to explore, as long as you know you’re coming out at the end of the trip….

To get to these marvelous and fun caves, follow these directions:

Take I-5 to Woodland
Take Hwy 503
Take Forest Service Road 83 until you see the signs for the Ape Caves.

Yes, it’s a little off the beaten path, but that’s what these installments of “Hidden Gems” are all about. Taking the road less traveled.

Maybe you visited the Ape Caves as a child, and maybe you’ve never been there before! Now is the time to take a drive, pack a lunch and some power bars, a couple water bottles and flashlights and have some free fun!

There is no charge to explore the magical world of the Ape Caves, and you can have as much fun as you want!

Send your pictures and stories of your own adventures to the Valley Bugler for your chance to win those great prizes! We look forward to hearing from you soon!

editor@ValleyBugler.com