Ditch the usual tourist traps and delve into the hidden underground world of the Redmond Caves, a fascinating glimpse into Central Oregon’s volcanic past. These lava tubes, sculpted by ancient flows from Newberry Volcano, offer a cool, dark, and unique adventure for all ages. Located just a short drive from Redmond Municipal Airport, this easily accessible natural wonder is a must-see for anyone seeking a taste of Oregon’s geological wonders.
Trade the Oregon sunshine for the cool, quiet darkness of the Redmond Caves. Unlike commercial caves, these lava tubes offer a raw, undeveloped experience. You become the explorer, charting your own path through this geological marvel, a part of the Horse Lava Tube System. Five known entrances welcome you to a network of shorter, interconnected passages, each a testament to the power of volcanic forces.
A Volcanic Past: The Story of the Caves
Imagine rivers of fire, molten rock coursing from Newberry Volcano. As the surface cooled and hardened, a crust formed, insulating the flowing lava beneath. Eventually, the lava drained away, leaving behind hollow tubes—the Redmond Caves. A section of one of these tubes likely collapsed, revealing the easily accessible entrances we see today.
Planning Your Underground Adventure
Redmond Caves are open year-round and free to explore, making them a budget-friendly adventure. However, “free” doesn’t mean “unprepared.” Since this is a self-guided experience, planning is key. What should you bring?
Essential Gear:
Headlamp or Flashlight: It’s dark down there! Bring extra batteries.
Sturdy Footwear: Navigate the uneven, rocky terrain with ease.
Water: Exploring can be thirsty work!
Snacks: Fuel your adventure.
Exploring Safely and Respectfully
These caves exist in a natural state. Respecting the environment and ensuring your safety is paramount.
Safety Tips:
Be aware of your surroundings. Rattlesnakes may be present.
Watch your step and avoid climbing on unstable formations.
Be mindful of low ceilings.
Photography Tips: Capturing the Underground Beauty
The interplay of light and shadow within the caves presents stunning photographic opportunities. For impressive results, consider:
Tripod: Essential for long exposures in low light.
Wide-angle lens: Capture the grandeur of the cave formations.
Long Exposures: Reveal the intricate textures of the lava rock.
Choosing Your Adventure: Redmond Caves vs. Lava River Cave
Both Redmond Caves and Lava River Cave offer unique underground experiences. Lava River Cave, also a lava tube, provides a single, longer passage with ranger-guided tours and requires a fee. Redmond Caves offers a self-guided exploration experience across interconnected tubes for free. Your choice depends on your preferred style of adventure.
Beyond the Caves: Central Oregon Adventures
After exploring the depths, discover more Central Oregon treasures:
Lava Lands Visitor Center: Learn about the region’s volcanic history at Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
Rabun Bald: Ascend to breathtaking panoramic views and experience nature’s grandeur.
Oregon Caves Tour: How Long Does It Take & What to Expect
Planning a trip to the Oregon Caves National Monument? The Discovery Tour, the main attraction, lasts about 90 minutes, guiding you through stunning formations within the cool, damp depths. Factor in an additional 15 minutes for the walk back to the parking area, making about 2 hours total for the entire experience.
Be aware of potential wait times, sometimes exceeding two hours during peak season (summer, especially between 11 am and 3 pm). Arrive before 11 am or after 3 pm to minimize waits. Visiting in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) also helps avoid crowds.
The Discovery Tour is available from March through November and requires a park ranger guide. This ensures both safety and preservation of the cave’s delicate environment. While exploring other Oregon cave systems like Redmond Caves and Lava River Cave, consider the Discovery Tour as a starting point for your subterranean adventures.
Why Are Some Oregon Caves Closed?
Confusion often arises regarding Oregon cave closures, especially concerning Oregon Caves National Monument and Redmond Caves. While both are currently inaccessible, the reasons differ.
Oregon Caves National Monument: Awaiting Repairs
Oregon Caves National Monument is currently closed due to severe weather-related damage to surrounding infrastructure. This crucial maintenance is essential for visitor safety and preservation. The National Park Service is diligently working to reopen the caves, but the complexity of the repairs makes predicting an exact date challenging. Consult the official NPS website for updates.
Redmond Caves: Protecting from Human Impact
Redmond Caves, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), have been closed since 2019 due to vandalism and attempted arson. To protect these delicate formations, the BLM closed access and local masons constructed a gate. The future of public access remains uncertain, as the BLM balances preservation with public enjoyment.
Exploring Oregon Caves Without a Tour: Redmond Caves as an Alternative
While guided tours are required at Oregon Caves National Monument, Central Oregon offers an alternative for self-guided exploration: Redmond Caves. These five interconnected lava tubes, near Redmond Municipal Airport, are free to explore year-round, giving you the freedom to discover at your own pace. Equip yourself with a headlamp, sturdy shoes, and water, and be prepared for an unforgettable adventure into Oregon’s volcanic past. While the Oregon Caves offer a structured experience, Redmond Caves offer independent exploration – a choice between a guided tour and an open-world adventure.
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