{"id":5660,"date":"2023-09-28T14:39:34","date_gmt":"2023-09-28T21:39:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitbend.com\/?p=5660"},"modified":"2024-01-23T13:03:58","modified_gmt":"2024-01-23T21:03:58","slug":"caves-near-bend-oregon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visitbend.com\/journal\/caves-near-bend-oregon\/","title":{"rendered":"Caves near Bend, Oregon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
An underground adventure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Central Oregon isn\u2019t just a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who love its sun-kissed mountains, vast high desert, and wild rivers. It also hides a treasure trove of underground wonders. Lava tubes are one of the most striking geological features in Central Oregon. And we have lots of them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Discover the world below with a guided trip. Or, on a hot sunny day, gather the kids and do something totally cool. Most caves around Bend are easy to get to and don\u2019t require a long hike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly adventure or you\u2019re a seasoned hiker in search of underground chambers, Central Oregon’s caves promise a unique and unforgettable experience for all ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A land shaped by lava<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Over millions of years, Central Oregon’s landscape has been molded by volcanic activity. There are said to be as many as\u200b 400 lava tubes in the area, many of which are on public lands. These caves were formed by molten lava when the Newberry Volcano erupted, and the lava flowed north. As it cooled, tunnels were created when a crust formed on the top and sides of the flow while the hot magma in the middle continued to rush north. These tunnels are called lava tubes, and the region is packed full. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because the caves are far underground and stay at a constant temperature of around 45 degrees, there are year-round opportunities for descending into the cool darkness of these winding tunnels that were formed thousands of years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to explore Central Oregon\u2019s caves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are several incredible caves to explore just minutes from Bend. Some are open to the public, and some require a permitted guided tour. We\u2019ll dive into both. And, as a heads up, dogs are not allowed in any of the caves<\/strong> due to sensitive ecosystems and for their own safety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Pro Tip<\/h3>
Clothing and lighting: Even when the sun\u2019s ablaze on a summer day, caves remain at a steady temperature of 45 degrees. Before descending into these subterranean wonders, it’s a good idea to layer up. A jacket, sweatshirt, long pants, and even a beanie paired with grippy hiking shoes make for safe and comfortable navigation. And don\u2019t forget your fully charged headlamp or flashlight to see where you\u2019re going and the awe-inspiring underground world around you.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
![\"Boyd](\"https:\/\/visitbend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/boyd-cave.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Walking](\"https:\/\/visitbend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/hidden-forest-cave-walking-in.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Cave](\"https:\/\/visitbend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/cave-clean-up-wanderlust.jpg\")
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