 |
Cave Photos »
A gallery of cave photos.
|
|
caves and caving
Rangers have lead
tours through the lave tube caves ever since the 1930s. They
are still run today, or you can explore on your own. |
|
the lava tubes
Lava Beds National Monument contains the highest
concentration of lava tube caves in North America. The monument sits on
the north face of the Medicine Lake Volcano, the largest volcanic
mountain in the Cascade range. Over the last 500,000 years, the volcano
has erupted periodically, sending very fluid lava over a wide area and
building a large, gently sloped mountain. Formation of lava tubes was
the result of very hot fluid lava issuing from cracks or fissures on
moderate slopes. As the lava flowed it began to cool and solidify on the
top and sides. Once the eruption ceased, the tube emptied and drained,
and a new lava tube cave was born. As the rock cooled, the inner surface
of the tube cracked and collapsed, producing openings to the surface.
The Caves Today
At the last count, there are over 435 known lava tube caves within the
boundaries of Lava Beds National Monument. The caves vary widely in size
and length. Some caves are so small that a would-be explorer must crawl
the entire length, while some caves are more than 60 feet in diameter.
Two dozen of the caves have been developed for public use, with ladders
or steps for access and cleared paths through rubble fields. Most of the
"public" caves are located along the Cave Loop Road near the Visitor
Center.
Exploring the Caves
Visitors are free to visit the caves on their own. The monument loans
battery lanterns free of charge each day, and sells inexpensive bump
hats. Cavers are also reminded to wear sturdy, long-sleeved and
long-legged clothing. For some of the more challenging caves, the
monument recommends knee pads and gloves. One cave, Mushpot, is a
virtual extension of the visitor center, with its entrance in the middle
of the parking lot. Mushpot contains exhibits and is the only lighted
cave at Lava Beds. The monument also offers ranger-led tours of the
caves. For more information on ranger led cave tours, see the
Cave Tour page.
Be Gentle!
Lava tube caves are irreplaceable treasures. Lava formations will not
grow back once broken. Please do not break, deface, remove, or otherwise
vandalize any caves or cave formations (lava, ice, etc.) in any way.
For your safety please exercise the following precautions:
Carry a light for EACH person in your group
Carry two EXTRA sources of light per person
Go with a friend -- DO NOT EXPLORE ALONE
Protect your head from low ceilings
Wear sturdy shoes or boots and watch for uneven footing
Carry an extra sweater or light jacket
Tell someone WHERE you are going and WHEN you expect to return
Do not deviate from your planned itinerary
Explore only the caves in the IMMEDIATE VICINITY of your vehicle
Many caves have been "developed" to facilitate public use. Such
development may simply consist of a trail to the entrance and a stairway
or ladder into the cave. In some cases a developed trail continues
inside the cave with additional interior stairways and bridges. Crawling
may be required to negotiate parts of several caves.
|
|
|
|
