Lava River Cave - Exploring Oregon's Underground Wonder

Located approximately one 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 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 typically takes about an hour and a half.

The cave was created by lava flows across the landscape. As the top layer of lava cooled and hardened, a solid crust formed. The molten lava underneath kept flowing until it drained away, creating the tunnel that became 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.

Managed by the US Forest Service, Lava River Cave is a unique natural feature with a sensitive environment. A small population of bats residing in the cave is highly vulnerable to human disturbance.

Visitors may be denied entry if they have recently visited another cave, especially if they are wearing the same clothing. This precaution helps prevent the spread of diseases that do not affect humans but can harm the cave's bat population.

Public access is only allowed during certain times of the year, and pets are not permitted.

🟡 Timed-entry requirements may change from year to year. Check the current policy with the U.S. Forest Service before your visit. If reservations are required, you can reserve a timed-entry ticket through Recreation.gov.

Visiting Lava River Cave requires a moderate 1.4-mile one-way hike through the lava tube. Visitors descend 55 stairs to enter the cave and must climb them again on the return trip.

The route combines flat boardwalks, uneven lava surfaces, and multiple stairways up and down, requiring careful footing throughout the hike.

Further from the entrance, the cave becomes completely dark, so a powerful flashlight is essential for navigating the rocky, uneven terrain.

A bright light will help you safely navigate the rocky, uneven terrain. Bringing a backup flashlight is also strongly recommended in case your primary light fails.

The cave remains a cool 42°F year-round, so warm clothing and sturdy closed-toe shoes are recommended.

🟡 During the peak season, timed-entry reservations may be required. Check the current policy with the U.S. Forest Service before your visit. If reservations are required, you can reserve a timed-entry ticket through Recreation.gov.

Camping is not permitted neat the Lava River Cave. However, several campgrounds are located within a short drive, including Big River Campground and Pringle Falls Campground near Sunriver, as well as Lava Lake Campground and Little Lava Lake Campground along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.

A variety of accommodations, including hotels and vacation rentals, can be found about 10 miles west in Sunriver. Additional lodging options are available in La Pine and Bend, both approximately 24 miles from the cave.

Lodging in Sunriver

Lodging in La Pine

Lodging in Bend