The Deschutes National Forest has more than 350 caves. To protect sensitive cave resources, below are most of the caves that have seasonal or year-round closures. All other caves are open unless posted closed or gated at the cave. Please contact the Deschutes NF at 541-383-5300 if you have questions.
Lava River Cave* - Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District *please click on the link for visitation schedule
Skylight Cave - Sisters Ranger District
Closed year-round
Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District
Skeleton Cave - private tour available (commercial), May 1 to September 30
Wind Cave
Deg Cave
Charcoal Cave #1
Bat Cave
Charlie the Cave
Lavacicle Cave
Hidden Forest Cave - closed year-round to climbing and bouldering, but access through the cave is permitted year-round
Climbing/Bouldering
Skeleton Cave - open May 1 through September 30 to bouldering outside of gate at cave entrance.
Hidden Forest Cave - closed year-round to climbing/bouldering, but access through the cave is permitted year-round
Use of chalk, hand drying agents, and installation of fixed anchors is not permitted in caves or at cave entries.
Cave with Care: Keep It Clean!
Central Oregon has the highest concentration of caves in the state. Almost all are lava tubes, formed by pahoehoe (pronounced puh hoi hoi), a type of extremely hot, smooth basaltic lava that streams quickly across the land. These lava tubes are unique and fragile resources. Help us keep caving safe and enjoyable for everyone. View a map of decontamination zones here.
Bring these with you into the cave:
A conservation ethic
Three sources of light and extra batteries
A friend or two. Do not cave alone.
Knowledge of your personal limits
Water and food
Caving helmet, long pants, sturdy boots and gloves
Layered clothing: cave temperatures are 33 to 50 degrees
As little gear as possible but enough to still be safe
Non-glass containers to pack out food and body waste
DON'T bring these. The following items and activities are prohibited in caves (36 CFR 261)
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire
Camping
Smoking
Alcoholic beverages
Glass containers
Domestic animals with the exception of a service dog in Lava River Cave, provided service dog waste is promptly removed
Depositing any bodily waste in caves
Using any hand-drying agent (chalk or substances)
Installing or using any permanent or temporary anchors (bolted hangars, quick draws, etc.)
Possessing any paint
Operating an internal combustion engine
Mountain bike or motorized vehicle
Leaving abandoned property inside a cave including geocached items
Vandalizing, tampering with, or removing any cave resource or cave feature including cave gates