Labyrinths & Bats

Beneath our feet, Oregon is riddled with a labyrinth of natural tunnels, lava tubes and underground chambers, all shaped by fire and time and home to several species of bats.

Central Oregon’s dramatic landscape was sculpted by ancient lava flows and millennia of geologic upheaval. Situated on the eastern edge of the Cascade Volcanic Arc, this region is a volcanic hotbed! A network of lava tubes is one of the most fascinating results created by this tumultuous past. These are smooth-walled, tunnel-like structures formed when rivers of molten basalt cooled and emptied underground. These caves aren’t just geologic oddities, they are wild, silent places that offer everything from family-friendly walks to challenging, crawl-on-your-belly adventures. Some are icy, others illuminated by skylights. These caves and others in our state are well worth exploring.

Lava River Cave

For those ready to explore the subterranean world, the most popular and family friendly is Lava River Cave located within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. This cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon, stretching nearly a mile underground. Like most cave experiences, when visitors descend into the cool, shadowy depths, they will notice a sudden temperature drop. The cave maintains a near-constant temperature in the 40s. The descent via the metal staircase at the entrance signals the beginning of an otherworldly adventure where explorers wind past glittering mineral deposits and ancient lava formations.

The Redmond Caves

Have time to kill before a flight? The Redmond Caves are near the Redmond airport, walking distance in fact, and a better activity than sitting around the terminal for hours. A short trail surrounded by native vegetation leads to a group of five fascinating caves which are part of the larger Horse Lava Tube system (122 at last count). They are also some of the easiest and closest on this list to explore.

Boyd Cave

Not too far from the previous two caves is Boyd Cave, another less developed and less visited cavern on this list. A spiral metal staircase winds down into a long, straight passage of about 1,800 feet in length. Stalactites and ice formations occasionally appear in the winter months, adding to the magnificence of the cave.

Skylight Cave

The Skylight Cave earned its name from the holes in the ceiling that allow sunbeams to filter into the darkness, creating an ethereal, cathedral-like effect. Located near Sisters, this is one of the more accessible and photogenic caves. For the full experience visit in the morning when the sun’s rays are at their best.

Arnold Ice Cave

Part of a larger system known as the Arnold Ice Cave complex, this cave provides a glimpse into both the natural and human histories of the area. It is famous for its persistent ice formations, which can survive well into the summer thanks to the cave’s unique microclimate. Early settlers even harvested ice here for Bend’s first ice businesses! Though explorers will not likely find as much ice as in the past, it’s still cool to see some during the colder months. Nearby intrepid explorers can visit the Hidden Forest Cave, which offers a taste of the region’s wilder, less visited lava tubes.

Fort Rock Cave

For history buffs, the Fort Rock Cave is interesting and where some of the oldest human artifacts in North America were discovered including ancient sagebrush bark sandals dating back over 10,000 years! Guided tours are usually available with the Fort Rock Valley Historical Society. Nearby, the Fort Rock Homestead Village offers a look into Central Oregon’s homesteading days. Wanderlust Tours also offers a unique experience in fall, Art in Nature, where a Capella group Bend Camerata performs inside the cave.

Oregon Caves National Monument

Farther south, in the Siskiyou Mountains near Cave Junction, sits the Oregon Caves National Monument. The marble cave system is dramatically different from Central Oregon’s lava tubes. These twisting, narrow passages require guided tours but reward visitors with Dr. Seuss like stalactites, flowstone formations and rich biodiversity.

Sea Lion Caves.

Sea Lion Caves

Not all caves are situated inland. On the Oregon coast, the Sea Lion Caves near Florence have the reputation of being the biggest sea caves in the United States and offer something entirely different. This ocean-carved cavern is home to hundreds of loud, bellowing sea lions. Open year round and accessible by elevator, it’s worth a visit. Plus, who doesn’t love watching sea lions flop around?

What to Know

Exploring caves is thrilling, but it’s not as simple as a walk in the park or hiking a well-established trail. Preparation is important for both safety and the protection of these fragile environments. Before setting out, always check with the local Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management offices. Many caves require permits or are closed seasonally to protect sensitive habitats, including fragile rock formations and wildlife.

Proper gear is key. Wear sturdy boots with good traction, gloves to protect your hands and minimize contact with delicate surfaces and dress in layers. Cave temperatures stay in the 40s year-round, even in summertime. Most importantly, bring at least two reliable light sources, like headlamps or flashlights, and pack extra batteries. Travel in groups of at least three people whenever possible. In the event of an accident, having more than one companion can make a crucial difference.

While underground, practice Leave No Trace principles. Always pack out everything you bring and refrain from leaving any marks or graffiti on the rocks. Caves are extremely sensitive ecosystems. Touching formations can halt growth due to the oils on our skin, and even small amounts of trash or bacteria introduced from the outside can cause long-term harm.

Avoid disturbing wildlife and be mindful of where you step. Although they often seem quiet and lifeless, caves are home to unique ecosystems. Bats are the most well-known cave residents, but other creatures such as beetles, springtails, spiders and other invertebrates, thrive in total darkness. These animals have adapted to cave life over generations and are often very sensitive to disruption.

One of the greatest threats facing cave ecosystems today is white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease affecting bat populations across North America. To help prevent its spread, some caves are closed during the winter months when bats are hibernating. Visitors are also encouraged to disinfect their gear and clothing before and after entering caves. Respecting seasonal closures and following guidelines helps protect these vulnerable colonies.

Oregon’s caves have long captured human imagination. Indigenous peoples of the region, including the Klamath and Warm Springs tribes, held certain caves as sacred spaces, using them for shelter, ceremonies and storytelling. Artifacts and pictographs discovered in and near some caves hint at this deep, spiritual relationship. In more recent history, lava tubes provided cold storage for early homesteaders, and tales of bandits, hidden treasures and mysterious happenings abound.

As a visitor to Oregon’s caves, you’ll witness an entirely different world—one of perpetual darkness, often scary and eerie, but also mysterious and fascinating. Whether pulled in by geology, history or the thrill of discovery, you’ll likely experience an unforgettable adventure. Just come prepared, tread lightly and show these remarkable underground ecosystems the respect they deserve.

Resources:

For those eager to plan cave adventures,
these resources can be very helpful:
Oregon High Desert Grotto
US Forest Service
BLM (Bureau of Land Management)

This article appears in Bend Nest Spring 2026.