Trail of Two Forests Interpretive Site — Attraction in Battle Ground

We were in the area before the tourist season started, and decided to drive up to the trail of Two Forests even though Ape Cave was closed. I am so glad we did this!

This short trail offers a fascinating glimpse into the geological history surrounding Mount St. Helens. The accessible boardwalk trail winds through a forest that was once buried by lava flows from an eruption approximately 2,000 years ago revealing "lava casts" (hollow tubes left behind when molten rock engulfed ancient trees, which then rotted away). It's an easy and relatively flat walk, perfect for families and those looking for a quick but impactful experience with Interpretive signs along the way that provides a powerful visual reminder of the sheer power and transformative nature of volcanic activity. It's a bit out of the way, but definitely a must-do for anyone visiting the Mount St....

If you're not a kid, you will bring out that kid that you have inside and enjoy this fascinating and short, accessible boardwalk trail with tons of well presented facts about what happened thousands of years ago in the ancestral stages of My St Helens eruptive activity. The information you may read here will help you to notice similar phenomena in other trails nearby. Adults and kids can go through the tunnels created by tree molds. The picture below shows a view from inside the tunnel. This is a must see if you are around Cougar. Parking was easy but I guess it can get crowded in high season. Restrooms are located at the entrance. Please, stay on the trail. Nature there is...

Short 1 mile loop walk that is wheelchair accessible on wooden path. There are several informative plaques describing the history & details of how these lava tubes formed. Our 10 & 11 year old loved "The Crawl," a short underground lava tubes exploration. My husband & I crawled as well, yet the mottled basalt was much tougher on our 40 yr old knees. Headlamps not necessary but will ease kids fears for certain. Non plumbing bathrooms here & a pass is required, but no reservation unlike Ape Caves. Overall a worthwhile stop on our way to the much anticipated Ape Caves just...