One Of Washington's Popular Lava Tube Hikes Will Be Closed This Summer

As some hikes and outdoor adventures start to reopen, some are staying closed for the summer. Washington's Ape Caves, a three-mile hike through a lava tube and popular experience, has closed their doors "until further notice." They are planning to begin construction late this summer with no specific timeline.  

The trail has been shut down for several months now due to COVID-19 but continued to have red tape around the entrance, leaving some hikers and adventure seekers confused in the comments on AllTrails.com.

A representative from the US Forest Service told Narcity that they are shutting down "until further notice" because of some construction happening in the caves later this summer.  

Ape Caves is a three-mile lava tube that was formed by lava from Mt. St. Helens. This spot is just a little bit over three hours south of Seattle.

The caves formed nearly 2,000 years ago and were discovered in 1950 by a logger.

The story goes as the "logger told his spelunker friend," who then explored the cave with his sons and friends, according to the Washington Trail Association.

They called themselves the Mount St. Helens Apes, and the Ape Caves were born.

The hike is a chilly one, with temperatures sitting around 42 degrees all year long, so its good to come prepared with proper clothing.

They also advise that people do not touch the walls or ceilings of the tubes as it kills the "slime" that feeds the food chain of tiny creatures inhabiting the cave.

It's a popular spot for Washingtonians, so the closure is a bit of a bummer, especially as warmer weather approaches. 

Not much else is known at this time, but stay tuned for updates on the Ape Caves, but in the meantime, you should explore all of the other beautiful wonders Washington has to offer.