Previously, I wrote about Guler Ice Caves located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Well, if you are in the area, why not kill two birds with one stone, take a walk into the past and visit Layser Cave ?
A dwelling for American Indians beginning about 7,000 years ago, the caves were abandoned about 3,500 years ago.
Traces of ancient campsites have been found in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Dating of these sites reveals that people have lived in this area for at least 6,500 years. Throughout human history, Mount St. Helens eruptions have had a dramatic effect on the lives of local inhabitants. Work by archaeologists has shown that a massive eruption 3,500 years ago buried native settlements with a thick layer of pumice. As a result, people abandoned the area for nearly 2,000 years.
A short walk takes you to the entrance of Layser Cave, one of the most significant archaeological sites in western Washington. Animal bones and stone tools found on the floor of the cave and buried in the soil layers enabled experts to piece together a history of more than 7,000 years. Today we can duck down into the dark cool cave and imagine what the people were like who shared this space thousands of years before us. Signs along the trail help explain how archaeologists pieced together the story of the cave’s use. The parking area will accommodate buses.
Driving directions: Take highway 131 south from Randle, WA to Cispus road (Forest Service road 2300) and then follow the signs to the cave. The cave entrance is a short walk from the parking area. The cave itself is 60 x 40 feet and is marked by several interpretive signs.