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A short, moderate hike to a great view of the southern Mount St. Helens face.


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Map Key

0.8

Miles

1.3

KM

Point to Point

2,457' 749 m

High

2,083' 635 m

Low

374' 114 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

24%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Geological Significance · Views

Description

Start at the left side of the ranger structure, near a restroom. The hike is a gentle uphill grade winding through a forested, well-maintained trail. The rating scale mandates "intermediate" since it is uphill and has short sections of loose ground and a few spots to stride over fallen trees. Not too challenging.

It is not old-growth, but there are some beautiful big trees; fir, cedar, hemlock. The viewpoint at the top is an improved platform formed by placed rocks.

Our hike was 20 Jan 2025 and the ground was clear of snow. We were the only two people on the trail. The gate was secured so went about a mile to get to the Ape Cave parking lot. The trail started from the parking lot.

Recommend hiking boots since there were areas with loose stones. Best not to twist an ankle.

Flora & Fauna

The ground in some areas were completely covered in delicate, small, green ferns. Lots of windfalls but only a few cross the trail. Several had been cut to clear the trail.

Shared By:

Bacon David

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#6498

Overall
  5.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#260

in Washington

#6,498

Overall
0 Views Last Month
0 Since Jan 21, 2025
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

A clear view of the S face of Mt St Helens on a sunny day with blue skies!
Jan 21, 2025 near Amboy, WA
The darkness in the Ape Cave is both unearthly and exciting.
Dec 28, 2015 near Amboy, WA

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