Looking for a great family adventure this summer that won't break the bank? How about an expedition deep into the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Mount St. Helens to search for the legendary ape man known as Bigfoot?

Odds are you won't find him, but what you will find is the Ape Cave, a National Volcanic Monument Geologic Site which features more than two miles of cool lava tube (it averages 42 degrees year round) complete with stalactites and stalagmites, lava flow marks,  tons (literally) of rocks, bats, cave crickets and amazing views.

Born about 2,000 years ago, the Ape Cave formed when lava on the surface cooled and hardened, but the magma beneath continued to flow.  At 13,042 feet, it is the longest continuous lava tube in the continental United States.

It's also reputed to be the home of Bigfoot.

Though it's tempting to buy into the notoriety surrounding the legend of Sasquatch, the cave's name actually comes from the local Boy Scout group who helped explore and map the site - the Mount St. Helens Apes.

Discovered in the mid 20th century by a local logger, the cave features connected upper and lower sections that run parallel to the surface. Though you don't need experience or expensive equipment to brave the Ape Cave, you do need light (at least one quality flashlight, lamp or headlight per person), sturdy shoes and warm clothes.

The air cools immediately as hikers descend down the metal stairs into the centrally located main entrance of the cave. Once past this entrance, the cave is pitch black, and though the floor to the lower cave is essentially sand (a remnant of a mud flow hundreds of years ago), there are still plenty of rocks and uneven surfaces.

Most visitors will traverse the lower cave, which is an easy, low-grade hike and perfect for families. The upper cave is more challenging and not suitable for children.

Located about 130 miles south of JBLM and an hour from the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, Ape Caves (Ape Cave Geologic Site, Nf-8303-060, Stevenson, WA 98648) is an easy day trip. Though there is no cost to hike the cave, there is a $5 fee for parking. Food, beverages, open flames and pets are prohibited in the cave.

So break out the flashlights, winter coats and hiking boots, and head out with the family to hunt for Bigfoot.

For more information, visit www.mountsthelens.com/ape-caves.html.