2021 Season - Visitors will be required to follow current CDC guidance for mask wearing and social distancing while visiting Lava River Cave. As this guidance is fluid, requirements may change throughout the summer. Visitors should be aware that it may be impossible to maintain distance of 6 ft. or more with others when underground. This year the cave experience will end approximately halfway through the full length of the cave at an area known as the sand garden. Visitors should plan on being underground for less than one hour.
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 any other cave or mine. Please wear close-toed shoes and warm clothing. Average temperature in the Cave is 42 degrees Farenheit.
We strongly encourage visitors to bring or rent two light sources. This is the safest way to experience and enjoy the cave.
Learn more about Lava River Cave by downloading this brochure.
No pets are allowed in Lava River Cave.
Recreation Fee Site: Parking at this site requires a recreation pass. Passes are available at this site, but can also be purchased from Forest Service offices or vendors. Please check here for more information about recreation passes and where they can be purchased.
Acceptable passes include:
- National Forest Recreation Day Pass
- Day ePass
- Annual Northwest Forest Pass
- Interagency Annual Pass
- Interagency Senior Pass (Annual or Lifetime)
- Interagency Access Pass
- Interagency Military Pass
- Interagency 4th Grade (Every Kid Outdoors) Pass
