A Guide To Unexplored Caves In Oregon

Oregon is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, and the state’s many hidden caves and caverns are no exception. With its rugged mountains, dense forests, and volcanic landscapes, Oregon offers a wide range of underground adventures for explorers of all levels.

From the remote wilderness areas of the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests to the volcanic peaks of the Three Sisters, there are countless opportunities to discover the hidden wonders that lie beneath the surface of Oregon’s landscape.

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 15 unexplored caves in Oregon, each with its own unique geological features and natural wonders. Whether you’re a seasoned caver or just starting out, these caves offer a chance to experience the thrill of underground exploration and to see some of the most spectacular formations in the state.

So grab your gear and get ready to discover the hidden world of Oregon’s caves, as we take you on a journey through some of the most incredible and unexplored underground wonders the state has to offer.

1. The Caves of Lost Lake

The Caves of Lost Lake are located in the Mount Hood National Forest, near the town of Hood River, Oregon. The caves are known for their unique formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, and for their location within a volcanic mountain range. The cave system is accessible by a 3-mile trail and is considered to be a moderate-level cave.

The caves are named after Lost Lake, a stunningly beautiful lake located nearby. Visitors to the caves can also enjoy hiking and camping in the surrounding forest, as well as fishing and boating on Lost Lake.

2. Skeleton Cave

Skeleton Cave is located in the Ochoco National Forest, near the town of Prineville, Oregon. The cave is known for its unique formations, including helictites and cave pearls, and for its interesting history. It’s named after the discovery of several sets of human remains inside the cave, believed to be the remains of Native Americans who used the cave for shelter.

The cave is accessible by a 1.5-mile trail and is considered to be a moderate-level cave. Visitors to the cave can also enjoy hiking and camping in the surrounding forest, as well as fishing and swimming in nearby rivers and lakes.

3. Hidden Forest Cave

Hidden Forest Cave is located in the Deschutes National Forest, near the town of Sisters, Oregon. The cave is known for its unique formations, including soda straws and flowstone, and for its location in a secluded forested area. The cave is accessible by a 2-mile trail and is considered to be a moderate-level cave.

Visitors to Hidden Forest Cave can also enjoy hiking and camping in the surrounding forest, as well as fishing and boating on nearby lakes and rivers. The cave is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bats, owls, and deer, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.

4. Lava River Cave

Lava River Cave is located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, near the town of Bend, Oregon. The cave is known for its unique geological formations, including lava flows and ice formations, and for its length of over a mile. The cave is accessible by a 1.5-mile trail and is considered to be a moderate-level cave.

Visitors to Lava River Cave can also enjoy hiking and camping in the surrounding volcanic landscape, as well as fishing and boating on nearby lakes and rivers. The cave is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bats, mice, and spiders, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.

5. Skull Cave

Skull Cave is located in the Lava Beds National Monument, near the town of Tulelake, Oregon. The cave is known for its unique geological formations, including lava tubes and volcanic rock formations, and for its interesting history. Even more interesting, it’s named after the discovery of several sets of human remains inside the cave, believed to be the remains of Native Americans who used the cave for shelter.

The cave is accessible by a 0.5-mile trail and is considered to be an easy-level cave. Visitors to the cave can also enjoy hiking and camping in the surrounding volcanic landscape, as well as birdwatching and stargazing at night.

6. Siskiyou Caves

The Siskiyou Caves are located in the Siskiyou Mountains, near the town of Cave Junction, Oregon. The cave system is known for its unique geological formations, including flowstone and helictites, and for its length of over 4,000 feet. The cave system is accessible by a guided tour and is considered to be a moderate-level cave.

Visitors to the Siskiyou Caves can also enjoy hiking and camping in the surrounding mountainous landscape, as well as fishing and boating on nearby lakes and rivers. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, cougars, and deer, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.

7. Three Sisters Cave

Three Sisters Cave is located in the Three Sisters Wilderness, near the town of Sisters, Oregon. The cave is known for its unique geological formations, including lava flows and stalactites, and for its location within a mountainous region. The cave is accessible by a 2-mile trail and is considered to be a moderate-level cave.

Visitors to Three Sisters Cave can also enjoy hiking and camping in the surrounding mountainous landscape, as well as fishing and boating on nearby lakes and rivers. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, deer, and mountain lions, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.

8. Big Obsidian Flow

Big Obsidian Flow is located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, near the town of Bend, Oregon. The cave system is known for its unique geological formations, including obsidian and pumice deposits, and for its location within a volcanic landscape. The cave is accessible by a 1-mile trail and is considered to be an easy-level cave.

Visitors to Big Obsidian Flow can also enjoy hiking and camping in the surrounding volcanic landscape, as well as fishing and boating on nearby lakes and rivers. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds of prey and deer, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.

9. Abert Rim Caves

Abert Rim Caves are located in the Abert Rim Wilderness Study Area, near the town of Lakeview, Oregon. The cave system is known for its unique geological formations, including limestone and gypsum deposits, and for its location within a remote wilderness area. The cave system is accessible by a guided tour and is considered to be a moderate-level cave.

Visitors to Abert Rim Caves can also enjoy hiking and camping in the surrounding wilderness area, as well as fishing and boating on nearby lakes and rivers. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.

10. Twin Pillars Cave

Twin Pillars Cave is located in the Malheur National Forest, near the town of John Day, Oregon. The cave system is known for its unique geological formations, including limestone and gypsum deposits, and for its location within a remote wilderness area. The cave system is accessible by a guided tour and is considered to be a moderate-level cave.

Visitors to Twin Pillars Cave can also enjoy hiking and camping in the surrounding wilderness area, as well as fishing and boating on nearby lakes and rivers. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk and black bears, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.

11. Redmond Caves

Redmond Caves are located in the city of Redmond, Oregon. The cave system is known for its unique geological formations, including lava tubes and skylights, and for its location within a urban setting. The cave system is accessible by a guided tour and is considered to be an easy-level cave.

Visitors to Redmond Caves can also enjoy exploring the nearby urban areas, as well as hiking and camping in the surrounding wilderness areas. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including coyotes and eagles, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.

12. Tumulus Cave

Tumulus Cave is located in the Klamath National Forest, near the town of Yreka, California, but still considered one of the unexplored caves in Oregon. The cave system is known for its unique geological formations, including lava tubes and rock formations, and for its location within a remote wilderness area. The cave system is accessible by a guided tour and is considered to be a moderate-level cave.

Visitors to Tumulus Cave can also enjoy hiking and camping in the surrounding wilderness area, as well as fishing and boating on nearby lakes and rivers. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears and mountain lions, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.

13. Labyrinth Cave

Labyrinth Cave is located in the Deschutes National Forest, near the town of Bend, Oregon. The cave system is known for its unique geological formations, including lava tubes and intricate passages, and for its location within a remote wilderness area. The cave system is accessible by a guided tour and is considered to be a challenging-level cave.

Visitors to Labyrinth Cave can also enjoy hiking and camping in the surrounding wilderness area, as well as fishing and boating on nearby lakes and rivers. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including cougars and coyotes, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.

14. Rattlesnake Cave

Rattlesnake Cave is located in the Ochoco National Forest, near the town of Prineville, Oregon. The cave system is known for its unique geological formations, including lava tubes and stalactites, and for its location within a remote wilderness area. The cave system is accessible by a guided tour and is considered to be a moderate-level cave.

Visitors to Rattlesnake Cave can also enjoy hiking and camping in the surrounding wilderness area, as well as fishing and boating on nearby lakes and rivers. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including rattlesnakes and golden eagles, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.

15. Soda Straw Cave

Soda Straw Cave is located in the Deschutes National Forest, near the town of Sisters, Oregon. The cave system is known for its unique geological formations, including soda straws and flowstone, and for its location within a remote wilderness area. The cave system is accessible by a guided tour and is considered to be an easy-level cave.

Visitors to Soda Straw Cave can also enjoy hiking and camping in the surrounding wilderness area, as well as fishing and boating on nearby lakes and rivers. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears and elk, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.

Related: Caving In Oregon

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