Lava River Cave Timed Reservation Tickets
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
- Timed Parking Reservation
Lava River Cave uses timed reservations to help visitors secure parking on site and better plan their experience. Please arrive at your scheduled start time and depart the parking lot no later than your scheduled departure time, which is 2 hours after your scheduled arrival time (the time reserved), to accommodate other visitors’ reservations.
- Ticket Entry Time
Please arrive no later than 30 minutes after your tour start time. The gates to the parking lot will close 30 minutes after the last tour. (2:30pm in May/September and 3:30pm June-August) No entry will be allowed after this time.
- Pass Also Required
In addition to a timed reservation ticket, a valid recreation pass is required at the cave. Passes accepted include the Northwest Forest Pass, Interagency Passes, or Day Pass. 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 only 1 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 ten minute (10) orientation is required for all visitors. This orientation is a part of your 2 hour reservation time block.
- 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 into the cave any clothing or gear you have used in any other cave or mine.
- Accessibility
Accessible parking is available. Above ground trails and walkways as well as interpretive signage and bathrooms are accessible. The interior of Lava River Cave is not accessible. The pathway from the welcome station to the entrance stairway is not fully accessible due to grade greater than 5%.
- Visitor Safety
We strongly encourage visitors to bring or rent two light sources. This is the safest way to experience and enjoy the cave. Cell phone lights are inadequate and not recommended.
- Visitor Safety
Please wear close-toed shoes and warm clothing. Average temperature in the Cave is 42 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Restrictions
No food or drink is allowed inside Lava River Cave.
- Parking
Parking is in designated sites only. Oversized and accessible parking is available.
- Pets
There are no dogs allowed in Lava River Cave. Due to the lack of shade and high average summer temperatures, we ask that you please do not plan to leave your pet in your vehicle during your visit.
- 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.
- 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
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)
