Seattle Caving Adventure

📍 Ape Cave Divided into Upper Cave and Lower Cave. We chose the more challenging Upper Cave. Round trip: ~2.5 hours (2 hours inside the cave, 30 minutes outside). The cave is completely dark—bring your own light source and be prepared to climb over rock piles. Essentials: Light!! (Handheld lantern: rent at entrance for $5, return by 4 PM; or headlamp: buy for $20) Jacket (it’s cold inside!) Recommended: Non-slip gloves Hiking shoes 🚗 Reservations required (book in advance on recreation.org). Place your reservation number visibly in your car when parking. 🏔️ Nearby Mountain Viewpoints: Lahar Viewpoint Just a 20-minute drive from the cave along NF-83 (ignore Google Maps if it suggests a longer route). Mount St. Helens Viewpoint A lookout spot on a small, slippery dirt slope—requires careful climbing. #SeattleDayTrip #Seattle#travel guide#trip diary#Seattle life#Ape Cave