Cave entrances can take many forms; from walk-in entrances like Valentine Cave, to entrances that are only accessible by ladders or ropes.
Kenneth Ingham
What You Need To Know Before You Go Caving
Before entering any cave you must be "screened" for white-nose syndrome. If you have boots, clothing or gear that has been in a place where bats roost (caves, mines, buildings, bridges, etc.) outside of Lava Beds National Monument, please leave these items at home. This is an effort to prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal bat disease.
Most information you need to know is contained in our caving brochure.
Thunderbolt Cave – Northern portion connecting to Labyrinth-Lava Brook Cave
Sentinel Cave
Sunshine Cave
Unless noted above, the reason for these cave closures are to protect maternal bat colonies where mothers raise tiny, vulnerable bat pups on the ceilings. The closures are in accordance with the park's white-nose syndrome (WNS) Response Plan, which calls for targeted cave closures aimed at protecting significant bat maternal sites. These closures target caves where populations of Townsend's big-eared bats (Corynorhinus townsendii) and other bat species congregate during the summer maternal season. The intention of these closures is to provide bat populations and to prevent the possible introduction of Pseudogymnoascus destructans (the fungus associated with WNS) fungal spores during the time period when bats are most susceptible to WNS.
Exploring the Caves
Many of the developed caves contain trails through the cave and stairways or ladders into the cave. Most of the developed caves are located along Cave Loop, a 2-mile road near the visitor center. Just a short walk from the visitor center, Mushpot Cave contains exhibits and is the only lighted cave at Lava Beds. Developed caves are divided into three groups based on their varying levels of difficulty in the hardest section of the cave: least, moderate, and most challenging.
Caves come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Easy caves are typically defined by high ceilings and smooth floors.
Jesse Barden
Least Challenging
These caves have relatively high ceilings and smoother floors or trails. At the very least you should use the following gear: flashlights, sturdy shoes, and head protection.
Least Challenging Caves:
Mushpot
Sentinel
Valentine
Skull
Merrill
Heppe
Big Painted
Symbol Bridge
Ovis
Paradise Alley
Moderately challenging caves may require some stooping and have uneven floors.
Kenneth Ingham
Moderately Challenging
These caves may involve stooping through low sections and/or rough floors. Additional safety gear is recommended for the more difficult spots, including: cave maps, compass, kneepads, and gloves.
Moderately Challenging Caves:
Golden Dome
Sunshine
Indian Well
Balcony & Boulevard
Blue Grotto
Most challenging caves have low, crawling passages and are often easier to get lost in than caves in the other two categories.
Kenneth Ingham
Most Challenging
These caves have some portions which require crawling. Using all recommended safety gear will protect you from injury.
Most Callenging Caves:
Labyrinth
Lava Brook
Hopkins Chocolate
Hercules Leg
Juniper
Catacombs
Thunderbolt
How The Caves Were Formed
Lava Beds National Monument sits on the north face of the Medicine Lake Shield Volcano. The lava tube caves found here were created by flows of smooth lava 10,500 to 65,000 years ago. 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 is left behind. As the rock cooled, the inner surface of the tube cracked and collapsed, producing openings to the surface.
If you wish to see a lava tube form today, you can take a peak into Lava Beds past by viewing a video of a similar volcano which erupted recently enough for people to be able to capture it on film.
Home To Live In
After cooling, these lava tubes became homes for unique cave life to thrive. When exploring, you may be lucky enough to spot some cave creatures, such as a cave cricket, rubber boa, millipede, or bats. These creatures are not poisonous or dangerous to humans, treat them with respect.
