Redmond sits surrounded by a bevy of outdoor wonders—including the iconic Smith Rock State Park, the oft-photographed Cline Falls, and the wide Steelhead Falls. But not all of the city’s sites reside above ground.
The Redmond Caves Recreation Site comprises a collection of five underground passageways near the city’s southern edge. In many ways, these caves connect visitors with Central Oregon’s cultural, natural, and geological history—and make for exciting year-round attractions today.
If you’re interested in visiting, here’s what to know about safely and responsibly checking out the Redmond Caves:
Redmond Caves Recreation Site
The history of the Redmond Caves dates back thousands of years—back to when the caves were actually part of a larger lava tube that were part of the Newberry Caldera. (The caves sit near the furthest reaches of Newberry’s underground tendrils.) When the molten lava stopped flowing more than 75,000 years ago, the tube collapsed and created the Redmond Caves as we know them today. Objects found inside the caves indicate that local Native American tribes used them for at least 6,000 years.
Today, the caves sit near the southern edge of Redmond city limits and less than one mile from the Redmond Municipal Airport. They are open to the public, with no day-use fee, and are managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Cave Exploration Tips
You’ll want to keep a few tips in mind before heading underground.
First, there are inherent risks that come with visiting an underground cave in the Central Oregon high desert. Rattlesnakes may be present, so bring a flashlight (and a back-up light source—along with extra batteries) and watch where you step around the site. You can also expect uneven terrain and low ceilings, so bring sturdy shoes or hiking boots—and consider buying a helmet if you’re on the taller side.
If you’re wondering how to make the most of your time, give yourself one to two hours to explore all five of the Central Oregon caves—each of which are a short walk from the parking area and none of which are very deep. Each cave is numbered one through five; caves three and four are the tallest and easiest to explore, but you can at least poke your head inside all of them.
Pets are not permitted inside the caves, toilets are not available on-site, and there is no potable water. Come prepared, and be sure to adhere to Leave No Trace principles to ensure future visitors enjoy the same experience you did.
If you’re curious to head underground elsewhere across the region, learn more about caves in Central Oregon.
Best Time to Visit the Redmond Caves
The inside of the Redmond, Oregon, caves are open year-round and remain a consistent 45ºF—so consider wearing warm clothing while underground. And while you can expect cool temperatures throughout the year, each season brings a slightly different experience.
In winter, the cave interior is as cool as the Redmond outdoors—and provides a welcome dose of solitude. If you’re worried about rattlesnakes, take heart: They are most likely hibernating in winter, giving peace of mind to weary visitors.
Springtime brings warmer temperatures and more sunlight, and traffic to the caves picks up in summer—when the cooler climate provides a welcome respite from the aboveground warmth. By fall, rattlesnakes start retreating to their dens for the winter and visitation to the site slows down.
Nearby Attractions in Redmond
Looking for somewhere to go before or after the Redmond Caves? You’ll find plenty of fun when you visit Redmond, Oregon.
Start your day at one of the top breakfast restaurants in Redmond. The city’s eateries serve a variety of appetizing cuisines, including down-home, diner-inspired dishes; bagels for on-the-go breakfasts; Mexican-inspired omelets and chilaquiles; and more.
Not far from town, stretch your legs at some of the area’s scenic outdoor destinations. Popular stops include Smith Rock State Park (whose iconic rock formations attract climbers, hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders), Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint (where you can view the park’s namesake waterfall), and Steelhead Falls (where a 0.5-mile trail leads to a short, but wide waterfall in the Deschutes River). All three attractions are among the top reasons to visit Redmond, Oregon.
If the caves piqued your interest and you’d like to take another look at Central Oregon’s geological history, consider heading south to the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Attractions across the sprawling monument include the mile-long Lava River Cave, the informative Lava Lands Visitor Center (open May-mid-October), the expansive Newberry Caldera, and more. Wherever you go around the monument, you’re not far from witnessing the explosive power of the Newberry Volcano.
When you’re done for the day, no matter where your travels have taken you around the area, unwind and celebrate your adventures at one of the best restaurants in Redmond. And if you’re excited to plan your visit, learn more about attractions & entertainment in Redmond.
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