Hiking Through This Cave In Oregon Will Give You A Surreal Experience
×
Catherine Armstrong
Author
There’s nothing like exploring Oregon’s natural wonders, and caves provide a surreal experience that can’t be beaten. Here’s a cave that you’ll definitely want to check out.
The monument is located along Highway 97 just south of Bend.
During the presentation, you'll learn more about the cave and how to stay safe while exploring it. You'll also learn about the delicate bat population, and visitors are asked not to wear clothing that has been in contact with other caves in order to prevent White-nose Syndrome, which can harm the bats living here. If the thought of bats gives you goosebumps, don't worry - these winged creatures are harmless and rarely seen by visitors.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You'll want to make sure to bring a jacket for your cave tour; the cave maintains a consistent temperature of 42 degrees Fahrenheit - even during the summer!
The lava flow from the volcano created tunnels, and when partial collapses of those tunnels occurred, entrances were created, which allowed settlers to discover this gem in 1889.
This portion of the cave has a large pile of boulders that have fallen from the top of the cave over the years. As ice accumulates near the cave's entrance, it creates cracks, which eventually cause rocks to break off. Stairs and a platform cover the pile of boulders so that you can continue on.
Related Stories
The Underrated Natural Wonder Every Oregonian Should See At Least Once
Most People Don't Realize This Beautiful Oregon Trail Has A Truly Gruesome History
There's An Incredible Meteor Shower Happening This Summer And Oregon Has A Front Row Seat
The ceiling here reaches as high as 58 feet, and the passage is 50 feet wide. The acoustics of this section make it possible to hear an echo when you speak. Just past Echo Hall, the cave goes underneath Highway 97; watch for a sign that tells you when you're crossing!
Advertisement
Eventually, the rock separating the two caves collapsed, giving the cavern a unique shape. There are a few spots where the rock between them remains, showing the cool double-cave.
The sand-covered floor of this section accumulated over time when volcanic ash and sand was carried from the 6,600-year-old Mount Mazama by water that dripped into the cave. The sand literally spread one grain at a time over the years!
You can also rent one from the park service for $5.
A sign denotes the "end" of the cave, beyond which it gets too narrow to explore. The lava tube ends with a sand plug, but geologists believe that it does stretch further; it's just inaccessible.
Advertisement
Between May 24th and September 3rd, the cave is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. From September 4th through September 30th, the cave operates on a slightly shorter schedule from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. before closing for the winter.
For more information about the Lava River Cave and Newberry National Volcanic Monument, check out the Forest Service website here.
We’d love to hear about your adventures if you’ve visited this cave before! Let us know about your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to share photos of your underground adventure on our Oregon Nature Lovers Facebook group for a chance to see your photos featured!
Oregon’s old-growth forests are another incredible place to explore. Take a look at this ancient forest that’s right out of a storybook.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.