The Cave Guide
Shasta Lake seen from the entrance to Lake Shasta Caverns, CaliforniaPhoto: Oleg Alexandrov, CC BY-SA 4.0

Lake Shasta Caverns

Lakehead, CA
58°F
inside, all year
600
steps on the tour
2 hr
on the main tour
$46
adult ticket

A two-hour trip that starts with a boat across the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake and a bus ride up the hill before the guided cave tour, with over 600 stairs.

The story

The caverns were part of life for the Wintu Indians who lived in the area. In the 1870s a fish hatchery and small town were built on the McCloud River, and the cave was named Baird Cave. A hatchery employee, J.A. Richardson, officially discovered the caverns in 1878. Since 1964 they have been opened as a natural attraction to the public.

Found
1878
Open to visitors since
1964

History source: lakeshastacaverns.com.

What you'll see

  • Cave coral
  • Helictites
  • Cave drapery
  • Calcite formations

Tickets and timing

Adults
$46 (16 and up)
Kids
$27 (ages 7 to 15); $17 (ages 3-6); free (ages 2 and under)
How long it takes
About 2 hours including boat and bus
Hours
Open seven days a week; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas; winter tours may be canceled due to weather.
Booking
First come, first served; groups of 20+ should book. Expect longer waits around Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day.

Getting around underground

The walk
Over 600 stairs. There's a halfway exit for anyone who can't manage them.
Wheelchairs
The caverns aren't accessible; parking, picnic area and gift shop are.
Strollers
Not allowed (nor backpacks).

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Dogs
Allowed if you carry them for the whole tour. Service animals welcome.
Temperature
58°F with 90–95% humidity, so it feels like 68–72°F

Good to know

Food and drink
Snack bar with refreshments and hot dogs; picnic area where you can bring your lunch.
Wildlife
Visitors might see bald eagles, mountain lions, and black bears.
On site
gemstone sluice (Sandy Creek Mining Sluice), Rock Box play area, picnic area, snack bar, store, catamaran rental

Getting there

Los AngelesSan DiegoSan FranciscoSacramentoFresno

Lake Shasta Caverns is in or near Lakehead, CA.

Parking: Free parking; follow Shasta Caverns Road for 1.5 miles to the parking lot.

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Before you go

  • Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light sweatshirt.

Questions people ask

How long does a visit to Lake Shasta Caverns take?

About 2 hours including boat and bus

How cold is it inside Lake Shasta Caverns?

58°F with 90–95% humidity, so it feels like 68–72°F.

Can you visit Lake Shasta Caverns in a wheelchair?

The caverns aren't accessible; parking, picnic area and gift shop are.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Shasta Caverns?

Allowed if you carry them for the whole tour. Service animals welcome.

Do you need to book Lake Shasta Caverns in advance?

First come, first served; groups of 20+ should book. Expect longer waits around Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day.

When was Lake Shasta Caverns discovered?

1878, according to the cave's own history.

Listed in: dog-friendly caves, cave boat tours

Checked on 2026-10-22 against lakeshastacaverns.com (home and FAQ pages). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.

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