Lava River Cave Timed Reservation Tickets

Deschutes National Forest

From September 7th-15th Lava River Cave will close at 4pm with last entry no later than 2:30pm for 2pm reservations. The gates will shut at that time and no one else will be allowed in.

Lava River Cave is utilizing 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 parking 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 75,000 years ago during a dramatic eruption of Newberry Volcano, Lava River Cave was one of the first lava tubes to be discovered in Oregon and is the longest continuous cave in the state.  

It takes approximately 1 hour to tour the entire cave (~2.2 miles roundtrip). Initial access descends stairs to a combination of flat 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

Booking Windows

The Lava River Cave Timed Reservation System goes into effect May 5, 2023, with reservations becoming available April 5, 2023 at 7:00am PT. The system ends on September 15, 2023 with the last day the cave is open to visiation. Additional tickets will become available for reservation the day before a visit at 7:00am PT. Note in May Lava River Cave will be open four days a week (Friday-Monday) and in June open five days a week (Thursday-Monday).

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)

Available Tickets

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