Ape Caves (Clark County)
(Yes, we know it’s Ape Cave rather than Ape Caves, but almost every search for this includes the S.)
This is a great summer campout, with a little something extra! If you have Scouts who like to cram in a lot, this is the trip. Fishing, hiking, history, and boating — all within a mile or so of each other.
Ape Cave has both an easy route and a more strenuous route so you can match your Scouts’ skill level. You may run into snow, even in June, so make sure to bring warm clothing. Bring your flashlights, layered clothing, and rain poncho. The history of Ape Cave is very interesting, and inspiring for Scout Troops.
Camp across the highway from the Mt. St. Helens Visitors’ Center (worth the trip – admission about $4 each) at Goose Lake (reduced fee available in exchange for service project; contact the ranger in advance). The campground has plenty of parking, real showers and bathrooms, fire rings, and flat campsites.
If you do this in warm weather, take a couple of hours on your way home to stop at Silver Lake Resort for fishing, paddleboats, canoes, motorboats, and lunch (all at very reasonable prices for Scouts; make sure someone in your group is properly trained for water activities). It’s only about a mile up the road from the campground.
