Looking for the best caves in Oregon? You’re in the right place.
Oregon is chock full of cool and interesting caves due in part to its dynamic geologic history (think volcanoes). Because of this, there’s a plethora of interesting underground cave systems to explore.
Since caves are often overlooked as scary or claustrophobia-inducing places to visit, I’ve compiled a list of family-friendly caves in Oregon that are relatively simple to walk right into. This means there’s no need to crawl through cramped spooky spaces for the caves mentioned on this list..
So bring a flashlight, good shoes (but no white nose syndrome!), and a sense of adventure as you dive into the extraordinary world of 15 beginner-friendly Oregon caves.
Helpful Tips for Caves in Oregon
Very Important
- In order to protect the delicate bat habitat and protect these important creatures from white nose syndrome, be sure to thoroughly clean your boots with an inexpensive disinfectant (like this one) before entering caves.
Pack a jacket
- The cave averages a chilly temperature of 40 degrees, so bring a warm jacket and wear layers. We stayed down there for over an hour to take a time lapse and I was frozen by the end!
Pack a lantern (or sturdy flashlight)
- You’ll want to pack a sturdy flashlight because your phone will not suffice, believe me – I tried. The ground surface of the lava tube is quite rough and it’s easy to take a tumble if you can’t see where you’re going. Here’s the inexpensive one I keep in the car.
You’ll need hiking boots with good traction
- Hiking shoes with good traction are essential for exploring Skylight Cave. I love these hiking boots, and I’d sleep in them if I could. Yes, they’re that good.
Best Caves in Oregon
Click for a handy Table of Contents
Table of Contents: Best Oregon Caves
- Helpful Tips for Caves in Oregon
- Best Caves in Oregon
- Skylight Cave (Sisters)
- Lava River Cave (Bend)
- Oregon Caves National Monument (Cave Junction)
- Sea Lion Caves (Florence)
- Boyd Cave (Bend)
- Fort Rock Cave (Fort Rock)
- Redmond Caves (Redmond)
- The Devil’s Punchbowl (Otter Rock)
- Arnold Ice Cave + Pictograph Cave + Hidden Forest Cave (Bend)
- Hug Point Caves (Arch Cape)
- Derrick Cave (Bend)
- Paisley Caves (Paisley)
- Oceanside Cave (Oceanside)
- Cave of the Winds (Bandon)
- Watch the Skylight Cave & Lava River Cave Video
Skylight Cave (Sisters)
- Location: Sisters, Oregon
For adventurers looking for a few minutes in the spotlight, head over to one of the best caves in Oregon, aptly named, too! Skylight Cave is named after the three bright light beams that stream into this otherwise unassuming cave in Central Oregon.
When the sun is at a certain point in the sky, sunlight shoots through a few small “skylights” in the roof of the cave illuminating the blackened cavern. Skylight is one of the coolest caves in Oregon and a great example of the wonders of lava tubes.
This Oregon cave is found off the beaten track and involves climbing a short way down a makeshift ladder to get inside the cave, but it is still relatively easy to access for those who don’t mind getting their boots a little dirty.
The hardest part about exploring Skylight Cave is convincing yourself to go down the ladder to embrace the cool, damp darkness. I’ll admit, it was kind of spooky for me the first time around. The light beams can be viewed right from the cave’s entrance but you’re welcome to explore the entire cave if you please, just know it dead ends after 900 feet. It is literally impossible to get lost down there.
The light beams are at their fullest around 10am around late June. During our visit, they started to form around 8:20am and disappeared completely by 10:30am. It’s also helpful to know that the light beams are not visible during overcast days – so check the weather before departing to ensure clear skies during your visit.
If you plan on visiting be sure to read my post for important tips: Exploring Oregon’s Skylight Cave Like a Pro (Helpful Guide)
Lava River Cave (Bend)
- Location: Bend, Oregon
Lava River Cave is another excellent option as one of the best caves in Central Oregon. Perhaps unsurprisingly (and judging by its name), Lava River Cave is a system of lava tubes formed as a result of volcanic activity.
Part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, this cave is just one of many other phenomenal rock formations dotted throughout the Deschutes National Forest. This is the longest known lava tube in Oregon and was actually one of the first to be discovered.
These days Lava River Cave is very popular thanks in part to its historic importance and accessibility. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the mile-long tunnel (2 miles round trip).
Lava River Cave is definitely a stop to add to your list, but be aware that reservations are required and this popular Oregon cave is only accessible from May through September.
Oregon Caves National Monument (Cave Junction)
- Location: Cave Junction, Oregon
Located in the coastal Siskiyou mountain range that spans the Oregon-California border, the Oregon Caves offers visitors a guided way to experience the wild world of caves for the first time.
Oregon Caves National Monument protects about 15,000 feet of twisting marble rock tunnels and is the only marble cave that is easily accessible in Oregon (and one of only three marble caves out of 3,900 that are overseen by the National Park Service).
The Oregon Caves tours are open from March through November, and warm clothing is recommended as, like most caves on this list, the temperature tops out around a chilly 41 degrees F.
After emerging from these incredibly unique caves in Oregon, consider hiking the many trails that run through the above-ground part of the monument, including Big Tree which leads you to Oregon’s widest Douglas Fir tree.
Opportunities for wildlife viewing abound, as the region is well known for its incredible diversity of plants and animals (especially if you’re not from around here!).
Sea Lion Caves (Florence)
- Location: Florence, Oregon
Just 11 miles north of the Oregon Coast’s most charming towns (Florence) lies the largest sea cave in America. This Guinness World Record-holding and easily accessible Oregon cave is right off of Highway 101 and a must for anyone doing an Oregon Coast road trip.
Take a few stairs and a short elevator ride down to sea level, where the doors of the lift open to reveal a sheltered room full of signboards with interesting information about the natural and cultural history of this unique cave.
Steller sea lions gather in the cave by the hundreds and their dog-like barks echo through the cavern creating a quirky soundtrack for an epic experience.
Winter is the best time to visit since the sea lions will likely choose to shelter inside the cave rather than be hanging outside on sun-warmed (or not so sun-warmed during this time of year) cliff ledges where they raise their young during spring.
The sea lions are protected but free to come and go as they please and are a delight to spend time with while you take in the wonder of one of the best sea caves in Oregon.
You May Enjoy Reading: Where to Find Wildlife at the Oregon Coast (10 Best Spots)
Boyd Cave (Bend)
- Location: Bend, Oregon
Within the same underground network as Arnold Cave (more on that in a moment) is another beginner-friendly Oregon cavern that gives us another peak at the wild, winding features of a high desert lava tube.
Traveling along China Hat Road leads resourceful visitors who don’t mind doing a little searching for sometimes elusive signage to a handful of the cave entrances, though only a few of these are accessible (many have been blocked off by iron bars to prevent degradation and protect native bat species).
Boyd Cave is a short 0.7 mile trek that takes you down a metal ladder (cool) and through a well-preserved lava tube formation. There is plenty of hiking to do around the entrance to this cave, and on the trails you can easily catch glimpses of the majestic peaks of the Three Sisters beyond the sparse sagebrush-dotted landscape.
Fort Rock Cave (Fort Rock)
Location: Fort Rock, Oregon
No list of the best caves in Oregon is complete without Fort Rock Cave. A drive out to south central Oregon will lead you to the wide open desert where big skies and a flat stretch of arid terrain dotted with sweet-smelling sagebrush awaits.
Fort Rock rises from this desolate landscape as the only major rock feature for dozens of miles and is the perfect place to stop to soak in some sunshine.
This epic fort-shaped rock formation lies in the bed of a once-massive sea and is actually the remnants of an ancient volcano. Within this rock formation is a cave, fittingly dubbed Fort Rock Cave, which visitors can explore on a guided tour only (will show up at that link when available).
This Oregon cave is historically significant, for it was originally the site of the discovery of the earliest human remains before scientists found the evidence at Paisley Caves (more on those below).
Sagebrush sandals fashioned by early humans were found inside of this cave that date back between 9,000 and 13,000 years!
Redmond Caves (Redmond)
- Location: Redmond, Oregon
As if you needed another reason to spend some time bopping around central Oregon’s high desert region, the city of Redmond is a paradise for hikers, nature nuts, rock-lovers, and cave explorers alike.
The Redmond Caves Recreation Site is open year-round to visitors looking to take a break from the desert heat and explore five different cool caverns tucked underground on a small piece of public land.
Once a fully enclosed lava tube, parts of it have collapsed leaving openings for folks to descend. No fees are required but this site is not fully developed (meaning no tours or even restrooms), so be prepared for adventure and come prepared with a flashlight, good clothing/footwear, and always let someone know where you’ll be.
The Devil’s Punchbowl (Otter Rock)
- Location: Otter Rock, Oregon
The Devil’s Punchbowl probably needs no introduction for those familiar with the many wonderful things to do at the Oregon Coast. For generations, onlookers have been mesmerized by this breathtaking natural wonder. The temptation to explore the collapsed roof of this natural sea cave is great.
Good news for folks looking for an easy cave to “explore” – you can enjoy this popular Oregon cave from the parking lot! But if you’re an insatiable adventure nut (like me), you may consider accessing this Oregon cave from the beach below during low tides.
Walk through the neighborhood until you find beach access signs, then be ready to slide down a sandy embankment (bottom first, if needed–no judgment!). Then head south along the beach a short distance to reach one of the most popular caves in Oregon.
Get an insider’s look at the colorful red, yellow, green, and purple hues that the cave’s rocks glisten with. Gaze at the ocean from the perspective of a sea cave, and pat yourself on the back for taking time to see a famous natural feature from a whole new perspective. But be sure to get back out before the tide changes!
You May Enjoy Reading: 15 EPIC Oregon Coast State Parks
Arnold Ice Cave + Pictograph Cave + Hidden Forest Cave (Bend)
- Location: Bend, Oregon
The Arnold Ice Cave located near Bend, Oregon is actually a massive 10,000 year old system of underground tunnels that were formed by lava flows. I know what you’re thinking: why call it an ice cave if it was formed by burning hot lava? Ice caves are so named because of their tendency to accumulate ice (go figure).
Since little to no sunlight reaches the innermost tunnels and chambers of these cave systems, groundwater that seeps through cracks in the rock often solidifies into ice.
Arnold Ice Cave is a great way to experience this natural formation over a short distance: the 0.9 mile trail will give you a taste of this 5 mile long cave system.
Make sure to bring shoes with good traction, as the ice that sometimes coats the cave floors can be extremely slippery. This is one of the best caves in Oregon to explore for first-timers, so invite some friends!
While you’re here be sure to pop into Pictograph Cave & Hidden Forest Cave – two more cool Oregon caves with entrances located within a few hundred feet and connected to Arnold Cave.
Hug Point Caves (Arch Cape)
- Location: Arch Cape, Oregon
Ocean-faring pioneers dubbed this small expanse of Oregon’s central coast Hug Point because they virtually had to “hug” the shore to avoid wrecking on the dangerous rocks beneath the water’s surface (through I like to think they were all good pals who knew the value of a good hug sesh every now and then).
Hug Point is an easy-to-miss beach access point just 5 miles south of Cannon Beach, and is only accessible during low tides. Check the tide charts and head out with plenty of time to explore the two small sea caves and waterfall on the point (best viewed during the rainy season).
While these Oregon caves aren’t exactly as monumental as some of the others on this list, they are worth checking out while you’re in the area simply to witness another fine example of naturally formed sea caves.
Another draw to Hug Point is its cultural history: this beach was a common route for pioneers traveling on stagecoach and wheel tracks in the rocks can be seen along the beach.
Derrick Cave (Bend)
- Location: Bend, Oregon
When it comes to the best caves in Oregon, you can’t afford to miss Derrick Cave.
For those of us who are still hesitant to explore the often cramped twists and turns of caves, the spacious Derrick Cave provides a chance to experience caves without feeling so confined.
At 30 feet tall and 50 feet wide, this roomy cave stretches a quarter of a mile and is easy to stroll right through–provided you can reach it. The cave, located in southeastern Oregon, is accessible by an unpaved dirt road that is best traversed by most vehicles during the summer (otherwise use a 4-wheel drive with high clearance).
This truly is a chance to do some serious exploring on your own, as the cave is in a pretty remote part of what is known as the Devil’s Garden (and is actually the main opening for the lava flows that spread just thousands of years ago (pretty fresh in geologic time!).
Fun fact: Derrick Cave was once a designated nuclear fallout shelter filled with food and supplies.
Paisley Caves (Paisley)
- Location: Paisley, Oregon
The Paisley Caves in Oregon are a system of eight caves located in south-central reach of the state. By many standards, these are perhaps the most culturally significant caves in Oregon.
Evidence of human activity was discovered here, dating all the way back about 14,000 years when humans crossed into the North American continent.
Imagine walking along the same footsteps of these ancient people as you traverse this short path back in time, poking around within each cave and checking out the wildlife who now call these small caverns home.
While these caves are very easily accessible, they are in a fairly remote region of the state and are entirely undeveloped, so come prepared with your hiking essentials.
Look around to take in the landscape, a rough desert-type area that was once a vast inland sea where the ancient humans who lived here could sustainably survive along its shore. Keep an eye out for lizards, pack rats, foxes, coyotes, and plenty of bird life as you wander through this historically important region.
Oceanside Cave (Oceanside)
- Location: Oceanside, Oregon
Okay, so this one is a little bit of a cheat for two reasons: 1. It’s more of a tunnel than a cave, and 2. It’s man made. But hey, that doesn’t stop this from being one of the best caves in Oregon, so don’t let that stop you from visiting.
Visitors can venture into this bit of an eerie (but completely safe!) quirky little side stop on your trip to the coast.
At Maxwell Point there is a tunnel dug into the rock on the shoreline that is relatively easy for most to navigate, provided you watch your step along the rocky ground and bring a light. This short trek will spit you out on a small beach locally known as Star Trek beach for reasons unknown.
Perhaps the name was coined because braving this little “cave” feels like being transported through the dark universe before suddenly arriving back out, blinded by sunlight, on a whole new stretch of shoreline.
Certainly a fun little quest to round out your day at the beach, and a nice beginner experience to get your toes wet for bigger and badder future cave explorations. This is one of the best Oregon caves to explore with kids because it feels like a real adventure while being perfectly safe.
Bonus: Head north along the same beach to find a much larger sea cave that isn’t very deep but is usually accessible to beach-goers as long as the tide isn’t too high.
Cave of the Winds (Bandon)
- Location: Bandon, Oregon
Let’s wrap this list of the best caves in Oregon with a personal favorite, Cave of the Winds.
Way down south in Bandon, Oregon is a chance to take in the beauty and wonder of the southern coastline–and see a neat cave while you’re at it!
Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint (say that five times fast) has rich cultural and ecologic histories that date back thousands of years when humans first started settling on the Oregon Coast (as far as we know).
Right near this viewpoint’s cliff is the Cave of the Winds where you can wander inside, sheltered from the salty wind as you gaze out toward the jagged sea stacks that rise from the waves just off the shoreline.
These iconic sea stacks, clustered in unique arrangements and whittled into slender points by the elements, have captivated people throughout history.
Maps show these rocks bestowed with mysterious names like “Cat and Kittens Rocks” and “Face Rock”, most of which have intriguing Native American lore associated with them.
Watch the Skylight Cave & Lava River Cave Video
P.S. My husband was commissioned to create the video below on the Deschutes National Forest by Visit Bend. It took one full year and hiking 80%+ of the trails in Bend to create the video, Skylight Cave (and yours truly) makes an appearance at 2:07! The link below should automatically start you there.
Note that the ladder shots are from Skylight Cave but the next shot showing the headlamps is actually from Lava River Cave at Newberry Crater (also worth visiting). The rest of the cave shots after the headlamps are from Skylight Cave, however. Hope you enjoy!
List of the best Caves in Oregon (Post Summary)
In sum, here’s a list of the best caves in Oregon. Hope you enjoyed!
- Skylight Cave
- The Devil’s Punchbowl
- Sea Lions Caves
- Oceanside Cave
- Oregon Caves National Monument
- Fort Rock Cave
- Arnold Ice Cave
- Pictograph Cave
- Hidden Forest Cave
- Boyd Cave
- Redmond Caves
- Lava River Cave
- Hug Point
- Derrick Cave
- Paisley Caves
- Cave of the Winds
Map of the best Oregon caves
Love exploring Oregon?
If you love exploring Oregon here’s some reading suggestions you may find interesting.
- Exploring Oregon’s Skylight Cave Like a Pro
- The 7 Wonders of Oregon (& 4 More We Should Add ASAP)
- 20 JAW-DROPPING Oregon Hikes (For All Skill Levels)
- 15+ EPIC Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
When many of us consider places to travel, destinations like beaches, forests, and deserts tend to come to mind first. But don’t make the mistake of overlooking the best Oregon caves, which are just as easily accessible as a lot of those natural places we already know and love.
Cheers!
Antonina
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