Upper Ape Cave - Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument

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  • Опубліковано 26 лис 2016
  • Join us as we explore the upper Ape Caves at the base of Mount St Helens near Cougar, Washington. This 13,000-foot-long lava tube is the largest in the continental U.S. and third largest in North America. The cave is divided into two segments. The lower cave is an easy out-and-back hike along the relatively smooth cave floor with only a few steps o large rock falls to climb over. The upper cave has 27 boulder piles and an intimidating 8' lava fall to climb. Much more taxing and difficult, the upper cave is a real challenge, both mentally and physically.
    For more information on visiting Ape Caves and the Mount St Helens area including, lodging, parking, precautions, and more history visit: www.mountsthelens.com/ape-cave...
    Follow my adventures on social media:
    Facebook - / geekonthepeak
    Twitter - / jdginpnw
    Instagram - / jdginpnw

КОМЕНТАРІ • 53

  • @JasonExplainsThings
    @JasonExplainsThings 3 роки тому +8

    Yeah... holy crap. When they say the upper cave is "difficult" my wife and I blew that off. Went down there with our 5 and 10 year old daughters. We were prepared in terms of lights, warm clothes and such but it was intense. Took us almost 3 hours to get through it. The kids got scared, but by the time we got out they were so proud of themselves that they did it and days later keep talking about it.
    That wall shown in the video was very difficult. Had to lift both kids, and I also had to make a foot hold for my wife army style. The worst part is a really tight hole you have to climb through that left each member of my family with cuts on our hands and legs. If I knew how hard it was we wouldn't have done it, but I'm really glad we did in the end. Be warned though... it is actually difficult! :-)

  • @kmarie3751
    @kmarie3751 2 роки тому +5

    My family and I went there several years ago, and we did both the lower and upper caves (in that order). When we went to the caves, there was still a TON of snow on the ground, and I was wearing converse bc I didn’t have any other shoes at the time. Going into the caves, I was super excited. It was so cool to be surrounded by the walls that may still hold molten lava. The water dripping from the ceiling was so cold, but it was refreshing. And the sound. You could yell and the sound would come back to you. I think that was the coolest part. Coming out of the caves, I was tired, cold, wet, hungry and thirsty, but I felt like I had achieved something I didn’t even know I could do. Definitely would go back someday, and maybe I’ll bring a friend?

  • @joemoreland1925
    @joemoreland1925 Місяць тому +1

    Almost two decades ago, my boys and I went up the cave without using flashlights not suggested. It only took us three and a half hours. There are some beautiful hiking that goes above the upper opening.
    Please be aware and very careful, there is bears and large cats. And maybe a little advice, if you're up there and notice large animals when you leave please post down at the ranger shack what you found an approximately where. That helps the hikers that come in behind you to be aware.

  • @hipnw5839
    @hipnw5839 2 роки тому +2

    Just went yesterday for the first time and I underestimated the difficulty. Your video sums everything up very well-it’s a must watch for those planning to venture into the upper cave. Super cool that you took your son on the adventure! I did, too (but he’s an adult).

  • @ExploringAmerica
    @ExploringAmerica 5 років тому +2

    Had to watch your video once again as a refresher, We did indeed to the lower ape cave back in 2017 after we had to retreat from climbing St. Helens earlier that day due to extremely cold conditions.
    I'll be back out there in less than 2 weeks to do the entire cave this time. But this time I'll be going solo! I don't know why anyone would give this video a dislike. You had done a very good job in producing this one for us to view! I love your insight! Especially your rails & seatbelts term! LOL!

  • @hopewrld714
    @hopewrld714 Рік тому +2

    I just went yesterday and it took my family almost 4 hours to get through, we didn't expect the amount of rock piles we had to climb over lmao. it was super fun though, I'm glad we were able to finish it :)

  • @jcee2259
    @jcee2259 Місяць тому +1

    Beg to differ. Once off the metal entry steps you go down or
    up the tube slope. That upper exit is a metal ladder but it is
    often not found by careless people... walking 4 miles to exit.

  • @serinaolson5836
    @serinaolson5836 5 років тому +3

    Beautiful, cool & a bit scary to me! Love to hike!

  • @Scribz1987
    @Scribz1987 2 роки тому +2

    Local been countless times growing up.. its great experience, recomend the lava tube field children 4-8 tho.. either way fun time.. if your kids in state they go for field trip lit every other year in elementary

  • @jeffmclearen1421
    @jeffmclearen1421 4 роки тому +2

    I went a couple years ago. SUCH a cool place. It’d bit, bring warm clothes and extra lights👊🏻

  • @EFFbriskethead
    @EFFbriskethead Рік тому +2

    that place is more magical than shasta!

  • @dontask8979
    @dontask8979 Рік тому +1

    I did the Ape cave upper and lower in 2010. Glade I did it when I did. 12 years older...it may kill me now. Lava Canyon is super cool too.

  • @amandacolbert7853
    @amandacolbert7853 3 роки тому +3

    I went there almost a year ago, its SO FUN 😁

  • @paulleavell4317
    @paulleavell4317 3 роки тому +2

    Cool! Thanks 👍!

  • @MrEd8846
    @MrEd8846 5 років тому +3

    yeah i went in there yesterday with my gopro and a 300 lumen Duricell light (which died but i brought my mag light as an emergency light since it wasnt as bright as my other light). i wasnt pleased with the footage when i reviewed it lol. i had a great time though. i just wish i caught more than just me talking to myself and noises of other people. maybe ill invest in a brighter light and go back some day

    • @colinjina
      @colinjina 3 роки тому

      I’ve been a few times, the last visit I brought over 3000 lumens of light and it still wasn’t enough to film a good video 😱🤬

    • @jcee2259
      @jcee2259 2 роки тому

      It is noisy with foot traffic on good weather days. Glare
      of hand carried table lamps cause moving shadow issues .

  • @Mattman226
    @Mattman226 4 роки тому +2

    Just subbed. Good vid.

  • @zaneninjago410
    @zaneninjago410 3 роки тому +2

    aweosme video, where da BIG FOOTs?

    • @jcee2259
      @jcee2259 2 роки тому

      Ah, Little Red River Cave is padlocked shut,
      but you can stand just out of reach as bait.
      Expect to also be hit hard by tossed feces.

  • @IntoWisOutdoors
    @IntoWisOutdoors 7 років тому +3

    What kind of camera are you using? I've got a few GoPro's that I will be using.

    • @geekonthepeaktv7678
      @geekonthepeaktv7678  7 років тому

      I use an iPhone 7, a GoPro Hero+, and sometimes a Nikon D3200. GoPro would be good for the cave if you have proper lighting. It's really wet down there.

    • @IntoWisOutdoors
      @IntoWisOutdoors 7 років тому +3

      Thank You for your info. I'm looking in to purchasing more cameras to replace my older stuff that has gotten pretty banged up over the years of travel. Besides my outdated GoPro I use a JVC Everio 1920 full HD camcorder. Even though it's very compact. It Has a bit of weight to it. I'm going to try a few back country solo hikes after the climb as well. The top area of Ape Canyon is one that I'd like to hike to, To get photos and video. I remember this Ape Canyon story from when I was in grade school. I remember the photo in a book of a so called bigfoot sitting on the top ledge of the Ape Canyon.
      Then I'd like to do the Lava Canyon,..... I'd also like to take forest rd. #183 or was it 83 down to the Smith Creek Trailhead. I'd like to hike at least 1 mi. in each direction on both sides of the river/creek banks of Smith Creek to see if I can find signs of Bigfoot tracks. It's all sandy soil. I'd like to make some casts if possible. the river bottoms are said to be like a highway for them to travel along.

  • @marcuswardshow
    @marcuswardshow 11 місяців тому

    Crawling the Ape Caves - Lava Tubes at Mount St Helens | Marcus Ward's Visions ua-cam.com/video/QxSFimvi5UI/v-deo.html

  • @justinetruong5893
    @justinetruong5893 2 роки тому

    Yeet

  • @fanghicheck
    @fanghicheck 6 років тому +1

    no BIG FOOTs ?

    • @miguelcervera471
      @miguelcervera471 5 років тому

      NOT.

    • @woofdog4219
      @woofdog4219 5 років тому +3

      They are all over the place in that area . They will find you if your worthly of being found .

    • @savage-pg2oh
      @savage-pg2oh 4 роки тому +1

      I was in the upper in dead of winter and took a picture inside the cave,which was later to be discovered in the pic by my neighbor what appears to be bigfoot,true story with pic

    • @nicolasbaker9601
      @nicolasbaker9601 2 роки тому

      There were miners in the area in the early 1900's and they were attacked in their cabin by what they called " mountain devils "

    • @jcee2259
      @jcee2259 2 роки тому

      Wait beside any open dumpster inside the village of Cougar.
      If you're quiet and motionless inside a locked parked vehicle
      wait for one to jump in or out. Park too close and you'll
      need body shop repairs for bent metal or clawed paint.

  • @rodinhovelazquez4033
    @rodinhovelazquez4033 4 роки тому

    Question.
    Are Animals Allowed to join???
    I’ve taken my husky everywhere n would suck to leave her behind. Thanx for the video
    Any info helps

    • @Apollo580
      @Apollo580 4 роки тому +2

      Rodinho Velazquez no pets allowed in the cave.

    • @rodinhovelazquez4033
      @rodinhovelazquez4033 4 роки тому

      I was bummed out about it, but this was the most incredible experience I had done this Summer hands down. Whole body is sore, bruised, scrapped n cut lol

    • @opiestanborough4774
      @opiestanborough4774 4 роки тому

      common sence would be not to take yer pet in there to twist his ankle or worse.... i hope when yer out an about you can recall you pooch cause i would take my old lab out and she was forever getting jumped by other dogs while there owners yelled pointlesly.... shes passed on now so i got a big ugly french mastiff ( like in turner an hooch...;) she dont start no fights, but she finishes every one.... shitty eh

    • @jcee2259
      @jcee2259 2 роки тому

      Pet animals are personal property.
      Muzzle it. Keep property leashed.
      Bag any excreta and walk it to a
      waste disposal bin. Property
      owners are supervised by Federal
      Officers who do law enforcement.

    • @dontask8979
      @dontask8979 Рік тому

      I wouldn't think of it. I remember up above the falls heading up, on the left there being a hole thats only a few feet from the main foot traffic. I peeked down with a light and it was about 2 feet wide and at least 30 or 40 feet straight down. There would be no recovery from that hole. Pet or human.

  • @Autobodyscotty
    @Autobodyscotty 2 роки тому +2

    WE LEFT BEER CANS AT THE END OF THE CAVE IN MARCH OF 1980 THEY WERE SCHLITZ BEER CANS !.

  • @loopthetube
    @loopthetube 2 роки тому

    My son-in-law took me here. NOPE!

  • @Scribz1987
    @Scribz1987 2 роки тому

    You only squeeze down lit at the end.. only rodents can fit.. dont bs man... it an opening untill the end.. but he tight dont loose light or it's a quarter mile walk out in the dark

  • @patfromamboy
    @patfromamboy Рік тому

    I’ve gone through the caves with my flip flops and a flashlight with my kids and seen families with helmets and climbing boots and lanterns. It’s fun and an easy hike.

  • @brad9548
    @brad9548 5 років тому

    Why can't the national park install lights that stay on so people can see the cave and enjoy the hike though it better!?!?

    • @joshuadenny6731
      @joshuadenny6731 5 років тому +11

      You can't be serious. People like you ruin things enough, if you don't like it then please, please stay out. You aren't welcome.

    • @brad9548
      @brad9548 5 років тому +1

      @@joshuadenny6731 you can disagree with me all you want. Been able to see where it going is it ruining anything it's making it better because you can actually see it. P.s. fuck off

    • @jcee2259
      @jcee2259 2 роки тому

      The recreation location is upon a volcano.
      Known to explode and pour molten stone.
      Over everything that can't flee fast and
      far enough.

  • @Jeremyho439
    @Jeremyho439 2 роки тому

    I dared not to go down inside because I have fear of bears, cougars and Bigfoot or even homeless.

    • @jcee2259
      @jcee2259 2 роки тому

      Stay in Interstate-5 lanes and at the legal speed limits
      so your listed objections become observed road kill.
      Keep a check-list of thus deceased threats ( i.e,
      hominoid, etc. ).