We started our hike at around 9 o'clock in the morning at the Thurston lava tube in volcanoes national Park so as to beat the midday traffic.
The Thurston lava tube is known to be busy during mid day hours.
We took a few minutes at the beginning of the trail to read the signs and to get an idea of the surroundings and which way to go.
We dropped down the switchback trail into a fern and moss covered ancient crater. The sounds of the birds was exquisite and the beauty of the forest and the flowers was amazing. It took us no more than 10 minutes to get down to the bottom and then up a short hill and then we reached the opening of the tube.
Since we started early there was no line at the beginning of the tube. We had plenty of time to take pictures and enjoy the amazing sites of this huge lava tube at the bottom of aTreefern covered crater. We also listen to the birds who songs we could hear by the hundreds.
We walked across the bridge leading to the lava tube which is a bit scary and then through the dimly lit tube. We had our own flashlights which we were glad to have and I would advise bring your own too. It was amazing to walk through a ancient lava tube at which at one time had hot lava flowing through it! It took us about five minutes and it was wet and cold. Water droplets were falling from the ceiling and you also could see the roots hanging down. We reached the stairs and then we hiked back to the beginning of the trail once again enjoying the birds songs.
There is also a restroom on the way out which you can use if needed. I would highly recommend this hike because of the beauty and amazement that it brings.