Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Respect The Cave!

Cavers, Expect the Unexpected!

• Three sources of light – Clean-burning lanterns (propane or white gas) or flashlights with strong batteries and bright bulbs.
• Sturdy shoes/boots – The lava tube floor is uneven and covered with jagged rocks.
• Warm clothing – The temperature remains near 42ºF/6ºC year round. It can also be windy and wet in the lava tube.
• A friend – Also, let someone else know where you are going and for how long.

Protecting Ape Cave Requires Your Help

Unfortunately, through the years, careless explorers have damaged many cave formations. Unlike the environment above ground, once a cave is damaged it remains damaged forever. For this reason, the following regulations apply:

• No food, beverages, alcohol or littering – These items attract animals and bacteria that do not belong in the cave. Food and litter decompose at an extremely slow rate in the cool temperatures of cave ecosystems.
• No smoking – Smoke lingers in the cave and is harmful to cave creatures and humans.
• No flares, fireworks, firearms or any kind of open flame. These leave a residue and blacken cave walls.
• No rock collecting or damaging cave features ($200 fine). Damage to features prevents you and future visitors from enjoying them.
• No pets – Dog paws are easily cut on the jagged rocks. Animal feces damage cave ecosystems and is unpleasant to those who follow.
• Do not touch the walls. A bacteria with fungus-like characteristics, called “cave slime,” lives on the cave walls. This slime is a food source for other cave life, is easily wiped off when touched, and takes many years to re-grow.