Scouts’ summer adventure
Published 1:30 am Thursday, August 6, 2026
Eight local San Juan Scouts spent the second week of July at summer camp.
The first stop for the troop was the Mount Saint Helens Interpretive Center. The scouts proceeded to camp at Cougar Campground, which is on the southwest side of Mr. Rainer National Park. In the morning, after breaking camp, they explored the Trail of Two Forests. The trail loops through two forests that stand side by side yet are separated by 2,000 years in age. This trail is the tale of old-growth Douglas-fir and western red cedar, and a young forest originally engulfed by lava flows from an eruption of Mount St. Helens over two millennia ago. Highlights included fun lava tunnels, informative displays and kid-friendly sections.
The troop was up and moving early because they had completed everything and hit the Ape Caves by 11 a.m.
The Ape Caves are the third-longest lava tube in North America. Its pitch‑black lava tube stretches more than 2 miles underground, and it maintains a constant temperature of 42 degrees Fahrenheit (5.6 degrees Celsius) year‑round. The three-quarter‑mile, one‑way lower cave route is relatively easy and family‑friendly. For those seeking more adventure, the 1.5‑mile upper cave route includes an 8‑foot rock wall climb and a scramble over rock piles, followed by an exit and a 1.5‑mile above‑ground hike back to the parking lot.
The website warns visitors to bring two sources of light per person (cell phone lights are not bright enough), sturdy shoes and warm clothing — even in warm weather.
The troop headed to Beacon Rock and Camp Baldwin Scout Camp after their cave adventure. Before camp began on Sunday afternoon, they hung out at Alpine Meadows and slid down the Alpine Slide. At camp, they spent a week of horseback riding, rock climbing, canoeing, fishing, riflery, shotguns, archery and so much more.
