Visitors to Bend can easily enjoy the famous natural attraction known as the Lava River Cave by entering the Newberry National Volcanic Monument within the Deschutes National Forest, just a short drive away from downtown Bend. Read on to learn more about the Lava River Cave and why it might just earn a spot on your list of things to do in Oregon!
Explore the Wonders of Lava River Cave near Bend
Nestled between Bend and the nearby town of Sunriver just 12 miles south of Bend, the Lava River Cave is an extraordinary geological site that is renowned for being one of the most prominent examples of a lava tube ever recorded, believed to have been formed 80,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption during which the lava flowing downhill from the volcano to the southeast clashed with the mighty Deschutes River. Flakes of obsidian found at the Lava River Cave point to the presence of Native American tribes long before the first officially recorded discovery of the site by a pioneer hunter in 1889.
On your way to the Lava River Cave, you’ll encounter a variety of plants and wildlife, such as pine martens, mule deer, porcupines, chipmunks, weasels, golden-mantled squirrels, and western gray squirrels, and a plethora of bird species, as well as ponderosa pine trees, Manzanita trees, sagebrush, chokecherries, willows, and Oregon Grapes.
The temperature of the Lava River Cave‘s mouth can vary depending on the season in which you visit, ranging from 32 to 45 degrees. However, the cave’s interior remains at a consistent 42 degrees, meaning that you and your guests will want to dress in warm clothing when you visit, in addition to renting or bringing a battery-powered lantern. A lantern rental station is located outside of the entrance of the cave.
Within the Lava River Cave, you can see unique phenomena such as the Sand Garden, the Low Bridge Lane, and Echo Hall, a spot inside of the cave in which acoustic echoes can be heard due to the level, proportioned walls of the 58-foot by 50-foot chamber.
Escape to the Peaceful Woods and Vibrant City of Bend with Arrived Now
To find out more information about the Lava River Cave and other extraordinary attractions (manmade and natural) that Bend has in-store for you during your time here, contact our reservations team today to discuss booking your accommodations with us.
By Dave Bunnell / Under Earth Images – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48892566
