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If you’ve ever wondered what lies beneath your feet as you hike around our local volcanoes, this is the place for you.

This week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast explores the dark, mysterious lava tubes of Ape Cave in southwest Washington. Found on the south side of Mount St. Helens, the cave system is a fascinating adventure for Northwest explorers.

Between the more challenging upper cave system and the easy lower section, Ape Cave offers an adventure for hikers of all levels. We have everything you need to know about how and when to go check it out.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

How was Ape Cave formed and what exactly is it?
Why you need to make sure to bring two sources of light into the cave.
There are a few very specific rules to keep the cave safe.
What’s the difference between the upper and lower cave trails?

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