Exploring the Mile-Long Lava River Cave near Bend, Oregon

Our trip to central Oregon was fascinating as we had a chance to learn about the terrain, climate, wildlife, and cultural beginnings--both of the Native Americans and early Pioneers.  

Our last day touring this very wild and rustic area brought us to the Lava River Cave, a mile-long lava tube, which is part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.  To be honest, visiting the Lava River Cave was on my bucket list of places to visit when I created an itinerary for Oregon.  At one point, I considered signing us up for a two-hour narrated tour; however, when finances became tight, we opted to do the self-guided tour, which was still wonderfully educational.

Up until this point, I had limited exposure to caves; I had seen a few limestone caves, famous for their stalactites or stalagmites, but those experiences never required me to fully explore an underground channel.  A lava cave or lava tube is different.  Formed by a volcanic eruption, a lava tube is created when molten lava flows underground.  When the eruption ends, the lava tube drains of molten rock, but leaves a tunnel behind, which eventually cools and solidifies into black stone.  Fun fact: According to the U.S. National Park Service, "Most lava caves are close to the surface and not too deep underground."

When we first arrived, the parking lot was full; this was expected.  The National Park Service (NPS) had already forewarned us that we might encounter a closed gate to avoid overcrowding.  Still, within 20 minutes, the gate was lifted, and we had a chance to park and purchase our pass.  Then, we were invited to sit in a small seating area where a member of the NPS gave us some pointers about the Lava River Cave.  We learned a little about the ecosystem of the cave, but most of her talk focused on the prevention of white-nose syndrome, an invasive cold-loving fungus that grows on bats' skin, often causing death.  I had heard of white-nose syndrome before but didn't know it was so severe.  In the article, "White-Nose Syndrome Killed Over 90% of Three North American Bat Species," the syndrome was first documented in New York in 2006.  Since then, it has been confirmed in 12 North American bat species, having spread to 35 states and seven Canadian provinces.  Some ways of preventing the disease are as simple as not wearing the same clothes during multiple cave visits.  (Since caving/spelunking is not a a hobby for us, I don't think this will be a problem.)

After the talk, we were encouraged to rent lanterns for $5, which were well worth the investment.  (Prior to going, we had bought headlamps, which we also wore.)  Other tips included the following:

• Wear close-toed shoes or even hiking boots since the stairs and cave floor can be slippery, rocky, and uneven.
• Dress in warm layers as the average temperature in the cave is 42 degrees Fahrenheit
• Consider wearing gloves as the metal handrails are cold
• Allow at least one full hour and 30 minutes to explore the entirety of the cave round trip.

When we entered the cave, we could easily see why good shoes and a lantern were a must.  To access the cave, one must descend 150 stairs.  Then the light source from the cave opening started to diminish, requiring us to use our lanterns to examine every nook and cranny of the cave floor to avoid slipping on uneven surfaces or even tripping on rocks and boulders.  The cold and dampness could be felt, too.

In some cases, the cave seemed wide and vast; at other points, it became quite narrow.  Lewie, of course, compared it to the game of Minecraft, where he explores the underground cave system.  For me, I felt like a miner exploring a dark, treacherous tunnel.  

By the end of the mile journey and back, I was ready to see daylight again.  I was grateful for the experience but didn't feel this was an epic adventure I wanted to repeat again anytime soon.  Little Lewie enjoyed it, and my husband...well, let's just say that he gave up after 30 minutes.  The stairs were not too kind to his knees and then the narrow parts of the cave didn't help his Closter phobia.  It was a blessing I didn't pay for any long guided cave sessions because my husband just wouldn't have lasted.

In all, the Lava River Cave was a unique experience.  We didn't see any wildlife or bats, but we certainly loved learning about its formation, the ecosystem, and even what we can do to prevent white-nose syndrome. On the way back, the opening looked like the size of a pinhead (see above).  Now I know why I like seeing the bright side at the end of the tunnel--no pun intended.