How to explore Lava River Cave, Oregon’s mile

Lava River Cave is a mile-long lava tube in central Oregon.Haley Nelson / Special to The Oregonian

At a little more than a mile, Lava River Cave is Oregon’s longest intact lava tube. It’s also one of the most popular caves to explore in central Oregon. The cave is part of Bend’s Newberry National Volcanic Monument, which includes over 54,000 acres of lakes, lava flows and other sights.

A series of stairs and boardwalks lead down into the Lava River Cave, which usually takes about an hour and a half to explore. You’ll reach the end when a sand plug blocks further exploration.

Lava River Cave is a mile-long lava tube in central Oregon.Haley Nelson / Special to The Oregonian

As Portland hits decades-long heat records this August, what better way to cool off than going underground where it’s dark and temperate.

The cave requires a timed reservation and has limited visiting hours, so be sure you’re prepared before you go.

Here’s what you need to know:

In order to access the cave, you’ll need a timed reservation ticket, which is free at recreation.gov. You can reserve a time slot up to 30 days in advance and each time slot allows access to the cave for up to two hours. A valid recreation pass is also required, or else pay $5 for a day pass. A digital day use pass can be purchased on recreation.gov.

The 2023 season goes from May 5 to Sept. 15. The cave is open Thursday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last entry to the cave is 3 p.m.

Don’t wear clothes you’ve worn in any other cave or mine. It helps prevent the spread of White-nose syndrome of bats that live in the cave.

Be sure to bring warm clothes, as the cave temperature drops to the low 40s.

Lava River Cave is a mile-long lava tube in central Oregon.Haley Nelson / Special to The Oregonian

No pets are allowed.

The U.S. Forest service recommends visitors bring or rent two light sources to safely explore the cave.

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