Trail of Two Forests

The Trail of Two Forests, near the Ape Cave at Mt. St. Helens, is really fascinating.  We'd never stopped there before, because after coming to explore the Ape Cave, we assumed we wouldn't have enough time left to explore there as well.  This time we decided to stop and see what it was like, and were pleasantly surprised to find that it's only a 1/4 mile loop walk to see it all.  The name refers to the present forest, and the forest that stood there 2000 years ago, until lava engulfed it.  Surprisingly, the lava cooled faster than the trees burned away, so casts of the trees are clearly visible. Upright trees left round holes in the rock.  Fallen trees left tunnels, and some are open to crawl through.  Jasper was at first reluctant to try this, but after the first time crawling through,  he was reluctant to leave!  A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park here; one can be purchased at the Ape Cave Visitor Center or online.