Ultimate Guide to Layser Cave, Washington (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
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Layser Cave is in southwestern Washington, accessible after a short hike through the dense forest. It is a small cave and will not take much of your time to explore, but you will learn a lot about the past and how the Native Americans used to live in this cave.
The visitors will not find much to do here as no development has taken place in the surroundings and there are not enough activities to keep you busy for more than an hour. You can still explore the surrounding spots to enjoy the scenery and majestic views of Mt Adams.
History of Layser Cave
With the advent of modern conveniences, it isn’t easy to assume what everyday life was like around 7000 years ago. But thankfully, Layser Cave offers the visitors a chance to take a glimpse into the life and times of the ancient Native Americans. It was discovered in 1982 by Tim Layser, a Forest Service employee. At that time, he was canvassing the region for timber sales. When he found the cave, it had remained in an undisturbed position for almost 4000 years.
Several artifacts were discovered in the cave, including animal bones and stone tools like arrowheads and blades made from the local rocks. But the most interesting discovery was that of beads made from ocean shells and arrows made from obsidian. These indicated presences of trade links throughout the pre-Columbia Northwest. However, the sad part is that none of these artifacts remain, as many were looted over the years.
Geological Cave Formations
Layser Cave is one of the several pseudokarst features that are found across the valley. Its relation to the geologic structures indicates that although there have been early suggestions of a lava tube origin, this cave is one of those pseudokarsts that have resulted from the folding of Miocene uplift of the Cascade Range. So, Layser Cave should not be confused with other lava-type caves of the area as there is no space for spelunking and long tubes.
Wildlife
Not much is known about the wildlife that can be seen here or in its surroundings, but lots of animal bones were found on the cave floor during exploration.
Is Layser Cave haunted?
It is not a tourist hotspot in Washington, but it is not haunted.
How Big is Layser Cave?
The length of this cave is 59 ft approximately. The cave is 30 ft across and 8 ft tall.
Layser Cave Tours
Layser Cave is one of the most important archaeological sites of Washington. It is a small cave, and experts have speculated that the cave was used by Native Americans thousands of years ago, almost 6 to 7000 years back. However, it seems that the cave was abandoned more than 300 years ago for no concrete reason.
The hike to the cave is a short one and will be loved by the kids. You will feel excited when you reach the cave’s entry point. There is a small dark entry entryway, and you need to duck to get inside. Once inside, you will feel inside a room rather than a cave.
You can use your lantern to illuminate the place and view the spiders crawling on the ceiling. You can stay here for around 45 to 50 min and explore the inside and outside of the cave.
Tour Prices and Discounts
There are no charges for accessing this cave, and no tours are available.
Is Layser Cave Cold?
The inside of the cave is cooler than the surrounding area’s temperature.
What to Wear?
You can wear clothes that you are comfortable in but do carry a pair of good hiking shoes as you will be walking the trail to reach the cave.
Layser Cave Hours
The cave remains open for 24 hours, but you should try to visit it between sunrise and sunset.
What to Do (Beside Tours)
There is not much to do here regarding amenities and activities. The short roundtrip trail, which is only 0.4 miles, will take the visitors into Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It is a short and sweet hike, and it offers stunning views of the Cispus Valley and Mt Adams. After traversing a short distance, you will reach Layser Cave. So, this short hike is the only activity you can do here.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit would be between April and November.
How to Get to Layser Cave
If you are coming from Randle, travel south on State Highway # 131 for 1 mile. Turn left into Forest Road 23 and follow that for 7 miles. There would be a sign where you need to turn left on Forest Road 083. The trailhead would be on the side of the road in around 1.5 miles.
Hotels Nearby
There are several decent hotels nearby where you can stay for the night, such as Seasons Motel, Packwood Inn, and Randle Motel.
Layser Cave Fun Facts
- Contrary to popular belief, Layser Cave is not a lava type cave.
- Cave was used by Native people almost 5000 years ago.
- No cause could be determined why this cave has been abandoned over the years.
Layser Cave Details
- Length: 59 ft approximately
- Time Recommended: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Fees: Free
- Hours: Sunrise to sunsetÂ
Visiting Layser Cave
Do you need more information before visiting Layser Cave? Call (360) 497-1100 for an information packet.
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