Sea Lion Caves
Florence, OR, from $18
42°F
inside, all year
Lava River Cave
Bend, OR
Lava tube. You explore it yourself, so bring your own lights.
180
steps on the tour
2 hr
on the main tour
Temporarily closed to visitors. Recreation.gov lists the cave as closed for the 2026 season.
A lava tube near Bend that you explore on your own in total darkness, down 180-plus stairs and over uneven ground. You need a timed vehicle reservation and a recreation pass.
Tickets and timing
- How long it takes
- Your parking reservation covers up to 2 hours
- Booking
- Timed reservations on Recreation.gov only, one per vehicle. A recreation pass is also required.
Getting around underground
- The walk
- More than 180 stairs and uneven ground, all self-guided. The paved path to the entrance is steep.
- Wheelchairs
- Parking, surface paths and restrooms are accessible; the cave is not.
Dogs, weather and what to wear
- Dogs
- Dogs aren't allowed in the cave, and the parking lot has no shade.
- Temperature
- 42°F / 6°C year-round
Good to know
- Food and drink
- No food or drink in the cave, and no drinking water on site.
- Wildlife
- Bats live here. Don't bring clothes or gear used in another cave or mine, and never touch a bat.
- On site
- restrooms, flashlight rental
Getting there
Deschutes National Forest, near Bend, OR
Directions in Google MapsDistances are straight-line from each city center.
Questions people ask
How long does a visit to Lava River Cave take?
Your parking reservation covers up to 2 hours
How cold is it inside Lava River Cave?
42°F / 6°C year-round.
Can you visit Lava River Cave in a wheelchair?
Parking, surface paths and restrooms are accessible; the cave is not.
Are dogs allowed at Lava River Cave?
Dogs aren't allowed in the cave, and the parking lot has no shade.
Do you need to book Lava River Cave in advance?
Timed reservations on Recreation.gov only, one per vehicle. A recreation pass is also required.
Where is Lava River Cave?
Deschutes National Forest, near Bend, OR
Listed in: lava tubes
Checked on 2026-10-23 against recreation.gov (Lava River Cave timed entry).