Layser Cave

Useful Information

Location:	Gifford Pinchot National Forest. From Randle, WA, highway 131 south to Cispus road (Forest Service road 2300). Signposted. Short walk to the cave.
Open:	No restrictions. [2010]
Fee:	free. [2010]
Classification:	Lava Cave
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:	L=18 m, W=12m
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address:	Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount Adams Ranger District, Tel: +1-509-395-4300.
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History

Description

The Layser cave is an important archaeological site of Washington. This area was inhabited for 7,000 years, the caves were used during the first half of this period, the caves were abandoned 3,500 years ago when an eruption of Mount St. Helens forced the people to leave. The eruption buried native settlements with a thick layer of pumice. But what was a disaster for the ancient people is now a stroke of luck for modern archaeologists.