Climbing and Caving

All known cave hibernacula are closed during the winter hibernation period. Find cave closure dates and required decontamination procedures here.

Registration is required to access caves that are open.
The registration system is designed to prevent the spread of White-Nose Syndrome- a fungal disease that kills bats. Humans can spread the disease via contaminated equipment and clothing; please follow decontamination procedures before visiting caves.

To register, the Trip Leader completes the Cave Registration Form and saves it as a pdf
The Trip Leader emails SM.FS.r2wns@usda.gov and attaches the completed cave registration form
Forest Service staff will review requests. Authorized registration forms are generally processed and returned to the applicant within 2 or 3 business days.
When the form has been reviewed and processed, the Trip Leader will receive an email with an approved registration form
The Trip Leader prints this approved form, and signs it- along with each trip participant

Follow decontamination procedures to prevent the spread of White-Nose Syndrome

Do not use clothing or equipment previously used at an infected or suspected site.