Lava River Cave Timed Reservation Tickets
Lava River Cave is closed for the season as of September 16th.
Lava River Cave utilizes a Timed Reservation Tickets System to provide visitors with the ability to plan ahead by securing their timeslot for parking at Lava River Cave ahead of arrival. Tickets are 1 per vehicle, not per person. In addition to this reservation, a valid recreation pass is required at Lava River Cave.
Lava River Cave, part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, offers self-guided exploration of a mile-long lava tube formed approximately 65,000 years ago.
Lava River Cave is pitch black and stays near 42F/5.5C year-round. To prevent White-nose syndrome, don’t bring or wear clothing and gear that has been in another cave before.
It takes approximately 1.5 hours to tour the entire cave (~2.2 miles/5km roundtrip). Initial access descends 180 stairs to a combination of boardwalk, and uneven walking surfaces. Located near the city of Bend, OR, Lava Rive Cave is a popular tourist destination and an excellent location for the general public to be exposed to caving.
Need to Know
- Timed Parking Reservation
Lava River Cave uses timed reservations to help visitors secure parking on site and better plan their experience. Arrive at your scheduled start time and depart the parking lot no later than 2 hours after your scheduled arrival time. This allows rangers to accommodate other visitors’ reservations.
- Ticket Entry Time
Please arrive no later than 30 minutes after your reservation start time. The gates to the parking lot will close daily at 2:30, 30 minutes after the last reservation begins.
- Recreation Pass Required
In addition to a timed reservation ticket, a valid recreation pass is required at the cave. Passes accepted include the Northwest Forest Pass (Annual or Day) and Interagency Passes (e.g., America the Beautiful). Passes are sold at Lava River Cave, Lava Lands Visitor Center, or through local vendors . A digital day use pass can be purchased on Recreation.gov.
- Reservation Limit
Visitors may secure up to 2 private vehicle reservations per day for a single time slot – the reservation holder must be in the vehicle at time of reservation.
- Entering the Recreation Area
Please have a printed or digital copy of your reservation ticket available to be scanned upon entry.
- Orientation Required
To ensure resource protection and visitor safety, a short orientation is required. Orientations occur every 15 minutes, and are built into your 2 hour reservation.
- Resource Protection and White-nose syndrome
In the interest of preventing the spread of White-nose syndrome to bats that reside in the Cave, we require that you do not wear or bring clothing or gear that has been inside another cave or mine.
- Accessibility
Accessible parking is available. Above ground trails, walkways, interpretive signage, and bathrooms are accessible. The interior of Lava River Cave is not accessible. The pathway from the parking lot to the entrance of the cave is paved, but not fully accessible due to a steep grade greater than 5%.
- Visitor Safety
We strongly encourage visitors to bring or rent two light sources. Flashlights can be rented on site for a small fee. This is the safest way to experience and enjoy the cave. Cell phone lights are inadequate and unsafe.
- Visitor Safety
Wear sturdy shoes and warm clothing. Average temperature in the Cave is 42 degrees Fahrenheit/5.5 degrees Celsius.
- Restrictions
No food or drink is allowed inside Lava River Cave.
- Parking
Park in designated sites only. Oversized and accessible parking is available.
- Pets
Dogs are not allowed inside Lava River Cave. Do not plan to leave your pet inside your vehicle during your visit. The parkinglot lacks shade and warms up quickly during the day.
- Site Amenities
Lava River Cave offers restrooms, oversized and accessible parking spots, and cellular service for most carriers. There is no drinking water available onsite. There are no public picnic tables and minimal seating, shade and shelter available. Visitors are encouraged to picnic at nearby Lava Lands Visitor Center or Benham Falls.
- Visitor Safety
Rabies is naturally present in all wild bat populations including the ones here at Lava River Cave. Rabies is dangerous/deadly to people so never touch/handle/approach any bats, even if you think it is dead. Please report any bat sightings/encounters to cave staff.
Booking Windows
Lava River Cave will be open from May 3rd, to September 15th, 2024. The reservation system is in effect during all operating hours. Reservations will release in two sessions, a week prior at 7AM PST, and a day prior at 7AM PST.
Note: From May 3rd to May 22rd the Cave will be closed on Tuesdays to Thursdays. Beginning May 23rd through September 15th, the Cave will be open 7 days a week.
Changes and Cancellations
If you are unable to attend your reserved time, please cancel your reservation as soon as possible. Cancellations may occur anytime and we ask at least 24 hours in advance of your planned reservation to allow other visitors to experience Lava River Cave. The transaction booking fee is not refundable.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST BEND - FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT 63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD BEND OR 97701
Phone Number
M-F 8:30 AM TO 4:30 PM (541-383-5300) ; SAT.-SUN. 9 AM TO 5 PM ( 541-593-2421)
