Lava River Cave

Most of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument’s attractions show off the aboveground effects of numerous volcanic eruptions; the Lava River Cave, meanwhile, takes visitors underground for a thrilling trip back in time.

The mile-long tube—which formed roughly 65,000 years ago and held lava that flowed toward the Deschutes River—was one of the first to be discovered in Oregon and is the state’s longest. Hikers can make the two-mile (round-trip) trek between early May and mid-September and walk through the fascinating cave by taking a few sets of stairs, following a boardwalk, and navigating uneven terrain within the tube. At its widest point, the cave measures nearly 60 feet tall and 50 feet wide.

Hikers are encouraged to bring at least two high-powered LED light sources—mobile phone flashlights are not recommended—and wear boots or shoes suited to the rugged terrain. Hikers should also dress for the climate, since the interior of the cave is about 42ºF year-round.

The cave is only open during the daytime, and all hikers must obtain a Timed Reservation Ticket to visit; tickets cost $2 per vehicle and are available on a rolling basis—with half the inventory released on a 30-day window and the rest released 24 hours out.

Once at the cave site, hikers attend an orientation that covers etiquette, insight on what to expect, resources for light rentals (available at the site), and tips for preventing the spread of White-nose Syndrome—a disease that’s deadly to bats that call the cave home. Vault toilets are available at the trailhead.