316 votes

Lava River Cave

Snow Goose Rd, Bend, Oregon 97707 USA

Budget

Independent
Public
Restrooms

“Places in Bend, OR”

Explore a mile-long lava tube. Lava River Cave offers self-guided exploration of a mile-long lava tube. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to tour the entire cave. Initial access descends 55 stairs to a combination of flat boardwalk, uneven surfaces and stairways. In the interest of preventing the spread of White-nose Syndrome to bats that reside in the Cave, we ask that you not wear or bring into the cave any clothing or gear you have used in a cave or mine outside of Oregon or Washington. Please wear close-toed shoes and warm clothing. Average temperature in the Cave is 42 degrees Farenheit. Directions: From Bend, OR travel south on Highway 97 to Exit 151/Cottonwood Rd. Turn left after exiting and proceed through underpass following signs to Lava River Cave. Cave is about 1 mile down the road on your left. From La Pine, OR travel north on Highway 97. Take Exit 151/Cottonwood Rd. Turn right after exiting. Continue on road about 1 mile to Lava River Cave on your left. If you miss Exit 151, proceed north to Exit 143 Baker/Knot Rd. and follow southbound directions.

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Reviewed by
eric

3 Reviews
3 Helpful

July 29, 2019

One of the most unique hikes our family has done. Not strenuous. Absolutely wear sleeves and pants. It’s like a meat locker down there. Parking is an issue so be patient. It opens at 9:00 so plan accordingly if you have time constraints. It takes about 90 mins round trip depending on your pace.

3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
BenSokoloff

58 Reviews
42 Helpful

September 14, 2017

Rated 5.0

Definitely come prepared for this, which we were not. The temperature inside the cave is probably in the low 40's if I had to guess. This is true regardless of season. We turned back early because of that. Otherwise it's incredible and wish we could have gone further. Also bring a bright light, otherwise you have to rent one. It's a cave so obviously it's pitch black after the first 500 feet.

3 people found this review helpful

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