Lava River Cave Oregon
Explore Oregon's longest lava tube, a mile-long volcanic marvel with a constant cool temperature, offering a unique underground adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Lava River Cave Oregon
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Oregon's longest lava tube, a mile-long volcanic marvel with a constant cool temperature, offering a unique underground adventure.
"A mile-long cave that's a surreal journey through geological marvels sculpted by molten fire!"
Bring a Bright Light! 🔦
Your phone light is insufficient. A powerful flashlight or headlamp is essential for safe exploration.
Wear Warm Layers 🧥
The cave is a constant 42°F (6°C). Pack a jacket or sweater, even in summer.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 494 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Longest Lava Tube
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Journey through Oregon's longest continuous lava tube, a mile of fascinating geological history sculpted by molten rock.
Constant Cool Temperatures
Inside the cave
Escape the heat! The cave stays a consistent 42°F (6°C) year-round, offering a refreshing break on warm days.
Self-Guided Geological Tour
Throughout the cave
Explore at your own pace, marveling at hardened lava flows, rock formations, and the sheer scale of this ancient volcanic marvel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress for the Chill
Light Up Your Path
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring a Bright Light! 🔦
Your phone light is insufficient. A powerful flashlight or headlamp is essential for safe exploration.
Wear Warm Layers 🧥
The cave is a constant 42°F (6°C). Pack a jacket or sweater, even in summer.
Sturdy Footwear Needed 👟
Navigate uneven, rocky terrain safely. Avoid open-toed shoes.
Watch Your Head! 🤕
The cave has low ceilings and uneven surfaces. Be mindful of your surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring a Bright Light! 🔦
Your phone light is insufficient. A powerful flashlight or headlamp is essential for safe exploration.
Wear Warm Layers 🧥
The cave is a constant 42°F (6°C). Pack a jacket or sweater, even in summer.
Sturdy Footwear Needed 👟
Navigate uneven, rocky terrain safely. Avoid open-toed shoes.
Watch Your Head! 🤕
The cave has low ceilings and uneven surfaces. Be mindful of your surroundings.
Consider a Recreation Pass 💳
A $5 parking fee per vehicle applies, or use a valid recreation pass.
Explore End-to-End 🚶♀️
Walking the entire mile-long cave offers a complete and rewarding experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique geological experience of exploring Oregon's longest lava tube, praising the constant cool temperatures and the sense of adventure. Many highlight the importance of bringing powerful lights and warm clothing for a comfortable visit. Some minor drawbacks include occasional blocked cave entrances and the lack of facilities.
"If you’re in the area, this is a great stop. We were there in a holiday and there was no issue parking and exploring. The caves are very cool, and fun to see. Definitely make sure to walk through the cave you can enter one end and out the other, you won’t be disappointed. Bring a bright light, it gets dark down there fast! Cell phone light won’t do you justice."
Andy Tolton
"My family and I had an amazing time exploring the Redmond Caves! We took our family, including our 5-year-old niece, and everyone had a blast. The area was very well-maintained with hardly any graffiti, which was a pleasant surprise. We were able to explore four of the six caves, and it was a fantastic adventure. Some of the entrances were a bit tricky, but it made it all the more exciting. Walking completely through one of the caves, entering on one side and exiting on the other, was a definite highlight and a really unique experience!
A few tips for future visitors: don't rely on your phone's flashlight—you'll need something more powerful to really see the caves. Sturdy shoes are a must for navigating the rocky terrain, and be sure to watch your head! The rocks are very unforgiving, as we learned with a one pretty good bump on the head. We highly recommend this spot for a fun and memorable family outing!"
Monica Gill
"Totally fun but 2 caves had rocks that collapsed in front of the entrance so you couldn’t get in. It was thrilling once you were inside. Bring flashlights, the caves are not long but you’ll need more than just a cellphone light to see. Too bad we couldn’t go in some of them. Would be cool to see a geocache in one too!"
Burns Florist
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lava River Cave is located within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, about a 30-minute drive south of Bend, Oregon. Take US-97 South and follow signs for the Newberry National Volcanic Monument and Lava River Cave. The drive is scenic and straightforward.
Public transportation options directly to Lava River Cave are limited. It's best to have your own vehicle or arrange a ride. Renting a car in Bend is a popular option for exploring the monument.
Parking is available at the Lava River Cave entrance. A $5 parking fee per vehicle is required, or you can use a valid recreation pass. Parking can fill up during peak times, so arriving early is recommended.
There are no restrooms or extensive facilities directly at the Lava River Cave entrance. Visitors should plan accordingly and use facilities at the Lava Lands Visitor Center or in Bend before arriving.
While the main roads are generally accessible, large RVs or trailers might find maneuvering and parking challenging, especially during busy periods. Check with the Forest Service for specific road conditions and parking limitations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a specific entry ticket for the cave itself, a $5 parking fee per vehicle is required, or you can use a valid recreation pass for entry into the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
Lava River Cave typically opens for the season in May and closes in September. Hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official Forest Service website for the most up-to-date operating schedule before your visit.
The primary cost is the $5 parking fee per vehicle. If you have a valid Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass, it covers the parking fee.
Typically, no reservations are required for general entry into Lava River Cave. However, during peak season or special events, timed entry might be implemented. It's advisable to check the official website for any updates.
The self-guided tour through the mile-long Lava River Cave takes approximately 1.5 hours roundtrip, covering about 2.2 miles. This allows ample time to explore and appreciate the cave's features.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temperature inside Lava River Cave remains a constant 42°F (6°C) year-round. It's crucial to wear warm clothing, even during the summer months, to stay comfortable.
The cave floor is uneven and rocky, with some areas of boardwalk and stairways. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are essential for safe navigation. Be prepared for a bit of a workout!
While children can enjoy the adventure, the uneven terrain and darkness can be challenging for very young children. Parents should supervise closely and ensure children have appropriate footwear and lighting.
Pets are generally not allowed inside the Lava River Cave to protect the cave environment and its inhabitants. Please leave your furry friends at home or in a safe, climate-controlled vehicle.
The main safety concerns include tripping on uneven surfaces, hitting your head on low ceilings, and the darkness. Always use a reliable light source and watch your step.
📸 📸 Photography
Given the low light, a tripod is highly recommended for sharp, well-exposed photos. Experiment with longer shutter speeds and a higher ISO, but be mindful of noise. A wide-angle lens can capture the scale of the cave.
Yes, photography is allowed inside Lava River Cave. However, be respectful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that can disrupt the natural darkness and potentially disturb any wildlife.
Using your own powerful flashlight or headlamp as a light source for your photos will yield the best results. This allows you to control the direction and intensity of light, highlighting the cave's textures and formations.
While you can use your phone camera, the low light conditions will make it challenging to get clear, well-lit shots without a supplementary light source. A dedicated camera with manual controls and a tripod will offer superior results.
Look for interesting lava formations, the textures of the cave walls, and the dramatic play of light and shadow. The entrance and exit points often offer unique perspectives.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit