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 Reporter |
Summary: Points of Interest: Collapse Corridor (0-1000', 0-305m) At the mouth the trail drops suddenly over volcanic rocks, bridged by stairs, bringing you to the floor of a large cool chamber where winter born stalactites and stalagmites of ice persist until the warmer days of June. Echo Hall (1,000-1,500', 305-457m) After a short walk you'll be amazed at the proportions of nature's handiwork. The ceiling reaches heights of 58 feet and is 50 feet wide with the arch of volcanic rock.Near the end of this hall the 1,500 feet (457m) post marks the overhead passage of Highway 97. Low Bridge Lane (1,500-2,000', 457-610m) at this spot the ceiling drops to 5.5 feet high.Sand Garden (3,000', 914m) The constant dripping of water has carved a garden of spires and pinnacles in the sand. In the remaining 2,211 feet (643m) of the cave you will pass through a sandy corridor. Near the end the cave narrows to 4 feet, unless you want to do the last part which requires you to crawl. Trailhead: From Bend Oregon take highway 97 south towards Sunriver & LaPine. Look on the left side of the road for the Lava River Cave monument. Drive up the road and park in the lot. Trailhead is a Recreation Pass Site - Vehicle Permit - $5.00 Day Pass or $30.00 Annual Pass or other valid Recreation Passes. You can rent lanterns or bring your own flashlights (a must). This is a lava tube cave that at times is almost 60 feet high and 50 feet wide. The walk is easy and their are hand rails through the difficult part. The temprature is in the 40's year round (colder in the winter) so dress accordingly. Young kids will have not problem walking in this cave and you can turn around at the Sand Garden and only have an approx one mile round trip. Topo is for the surface, you drop total about 150 going in and pass under Hwy 97. If gate is closed, park below and walk up to the cave entrance. The cave is NOT open during the winter months for bat hybernation, (Lat:43.8948 Lon:-121.369) Trail Guides for Lava River Cave: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Deschutes National Forest - Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Craig Cole, who has posted 72 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Viewer on 10/10/2009 I see that the website says that Lava River Cave is year-round. However, the cave is NOT open during the winter months for the purpose of bat habitat. Please change this to prevent people from going into the cave during the bat's crucial hybernation. Thank you, Julie Deschutes National Forest 
Reviewed by Jeff on 8/29/2006 Nice place to take a beginning caver to see if they can take the experience and still like it. Hint: if you go during the off season the gate is closed but you can hike in and the enterence is open. This means you won't have much company. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Oregon Hiking, Oregon Trails, Oregon Hikes, Deschutes County Hiking, Deschutes County Trails, Deschutes County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||