Lava River Cave near Bend reopens to visitors
(MAY 20, 2022) Caves are underground spaces. They can be fun to explore. Oregon Caves National Monument near Ashland is one example. Another large cave in Oregon is the Lava River Cave near Bend.
The Lava River Cave is in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The cave is like an underground tube. It is about one mile long. It is the longest cave in the state. Visitors usually need about 90 minutes to hike in and out. There are 55 stairs at the beginning of the walk.
The cave was closed to visitors when COVID began. There was also construction to improve safety around the cave. Now the cave is open to visitors again.
There are some rules:
Do not wear any clothing or shoes that have been in other caves. This protects bats from a disease called white-nose syndrome.
Dress warmly. The temperature in the cave is about 42 degrees.
Bring at least two light sources in case one stops working. You can rent a light for $5 until 4PM.
No pets are allowed in the cave.
The U.S. Forest Service recommends "Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but pictures."
Beginning June 1, the cave is open seven days a week from 9AM to 5PM. If you drive to the cave, there is a $5 per vehicle parking fee.
“Deschutes National Forest - Lava River Cave Interpretive Site.” Usda.gov, 2022, www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=38396. Accessed 17 May 2022.
“Deschutes National Forest - Recreation.” Usda.gov, 2022, www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/deschutes/recreation/?cid=fseprd1004688&width=full. Accessed 17 May 2022.
Prewitt, Andi. “Central Oregon’s Lava River Cave Has Reopened to Visitors.” Willamette Week, 16 May 2022, www.wweek.com/outdoors/2022/05/16/central-oregons-lava-river-cave-has-reopened-to-visitors/. Accessed 17 May 2022.
Image by Ryan Harvey, Flickr.