Lava River Cave

Very fun experience! We've been here three times and I can't wait to go back! It's a nice escape from the summer heat because it's cold in the cave no matter when you go. We went in late April and could see our breath and there were a few ice patches still. Make sure to bring strong headlamps and flashlights because it is pitch black once inside.
5 7 years ago (24-05-2018)

Such a cool place... Bring a jacket. It got really cold inside. The hike down is little rough. Bring friends... this isn't somewhere you wanna get stuck alone. I got alittle nervous thinking of twisting an ankle in the dark. Oh and really good flashlights. Headlamp would be the best idea.
5 7 years ago (05-06-2018)

Great place to take the kids and for those who are in moderate to good shape. Wear good shoes, bring head lamp as you'll need to use your hands to navigate rock for the first 15 min going in and coming back out. Cave is cool so bring a jacket but you'll probably get warm. Not a good choice for small children, physically disabled, extremely overweight or out of shape. Can't wait to visit again!!!
5 7 years ago (27-05-2018)

Loved this place! A bit rough getting there with an RV (dirt roads and very bumpy) but it was worth it. Kids enjoyed and adults as well, definitely bring something warmer to wear- it was 30 degrees cooler down in the cave than the outside. Also bring a flashlight, the cell phone light won't suffice. There were loaner lights outside which was really cool, very neat natural site to see and it's free. Plan on 2.5 hours or so including the drive from the highway and back.
5 7 years ago (01-05-2018)

I honestly love this place. Went there as a kid, teen, adult, and now taking my kids. It is basically a long cave. But oh, how it feeds the imagination! It is a rough climb to get in, and be wary of slippery ice near the entrance (even during the summer). But once inside, if you watch your step on the uneven ground, it is a level walk to the end (3/4 mile). I suggest taking the right fork on the way in, the shortest/lowest part of the cave, because on the way out you'll probably miss the entrance to it, and the left fork is the highest/tallest point of the ceiling. It is dark and cool in there. Please go to the bathroom before you go in! And pack your trash out with you. There is a second side to the cave entrance that is more rugged, dangerous, and fascinating - requiring climbing, scrambling, slithering and remembering how you came in - if you're looking for that kind of spelunking experience.
4 7 years ago (12-04-2018)