• Lava River Cave was formed by volcanic activity 80,000 years ago
• The lava tube is the longest in Oregon
Located approximately a mile from Lava Butte, Lava River Cave is a lava tube formed by volcanic activity about 80,000 years ago. The cave is the longest known lava tube in Oregon, stretching approximately 1.5 miles from the entrance through Echo Halls, Low Bridge Lane, and Two Tube Tunnel to Sand Gardens. Exploring this unique natural wonder of Central Oregon takes about an hour and a half.
The cave was created by lava flows about 80,000 years ago. The molten lava river flowed in the open air until the top of the lava river cooled down and finally solidified.
Below the solid crust, the lava drained out of the channel, leaving behind the phenomenon we see today: Lava River Cave.
Numerous artifacts have been found in the area. This means that Native Americans were aware of the cave before the first European explorers discovered it in 1889.
Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash
Managed by the US Forest Service, Lava River Cave is a unique natural phenomenon with a sensitive environment. A small population of bats that reside in the cave is highly vulnerable to human disturbance. Be advised that you will not get access to the cave if you have recently been in another cave, especially if you wore the same clothes. This is to make sure you don’t accidentally bring any diseases with you, which don’t affect humans but can negatively affect the cave’s bat population.
Since the temperature in the Lava River Cave is about 42 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, make sure that you dress up in warm clothes and close-toed shoes for your safety. Also, bring a flashlight. You can also rent a lantern at the entrance. In addition, having a spare light source with you in case the primary one goes down would be a good idea.
Public access is only allowed during certain times of the year. Pets are not allowed at this site.
Lava River Cave Camping and Lodging
No camping is allowed at the Lava River Cave, but excellent accommodations, including hotels and vacation rentals, can be found just 10 miles west in Sunriver. Additional options are available in La Pine or Bend, both approximately 24 miles away.
Lava River Cave | Facts
Open: The beginning of May - the end of September
Managed by: US Forest Service
Amenities: Outside of the cave
Activities: Self-guided exploration and hiking
Day-use fees: Yes or Recreation Pass
Restrictions: No pets are allowed
Elevation: 4,500 ft (1,372 m)
Lava River Cave is located:
- 13 miles south of Bend
- 127 miles east of Eugene
- 187 miles southeast of Portland.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Lava River Cave
From Bend,
- Follow south on Highway 97 to Exit 151
- Turn left onto Cottonwood Road and drive 1.2 miles to Lava River Cave on your left.
Phone (Lava Lands Visitor Center): 541-593-2421