If you love exploring caves, Oregon has plenty to offer. Everyone is familiar with Oregon Caves National Monument, but there are other subterranean wonderlands around the state. A tour company offers adventures in these lava tube caves near Bend, and there’s another little-known cave that’s also a must-visit. Check out Derrick Cave:
Derrick Cave is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. You’ll find it just south of Bend.
Bureau of Land Management/flickr To reach the cave, travel on Highway 20 to Forest Road 23. You’ll take a dirt road onto Road 2325, then drive until you reach a small parking lot. The dirt road is very rough, so take it slow.
The best way to enter the cave is right from the parking lot.
Bureau of Land Management/flickr
The large entrance is easy to walk right into! Make sure you’re wearing some sturdy shoes, and bring along at least one light source (a second backup is always a good idea).
Alexander Tidwell/Google
This lava tube cave was formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. It’s 1,200 feet long - one of the longest in the state.
Alexander Tidwell/Google
Multiple skylights in the northern end of the cave brighten portions of the cave, creating excellent photo opportunities. The sunlight also helps you explore the walls of the cave.
Bureau of Land Management/flickr
Much of the cave has a wide, sandy path, but as you reach the southern end of the lava tube it becomes darker and more narrow.
jonathan Truong/Google
The only animals found in Derrick Cave are small mammals and some insects. While you might hear them rustling about, don’t worry - you won’t run into any bats here. In fact, since bats don’t hibernate here, you can explore Derrick Cave year-round.
By Bureau of Land Management (United States Department of Interior/Wikimedia
The cave is always 15-20 degrees cooler than aboveground, so an adventure here is perfect on a hot summer day.
jonathan Truong/Google
Derrick Cave has a unique history. During the Cold War, it was designated as an official fallout shelter, and stocked with food and water.
Bureau of Land Management/flickr There aren’t any services available at Derrick Cave, so bring plenty of water. Leave your pets at home - they’re not allowed inside the cave.
For more information, visit the Bureau of Land Management’s website. Have you explored Derrick Cave? We’d love to hear about your adventure in the comments!
Bureau of Land Management/flickr
To reach the cave, travel on Highway 20 to Forest Road 23. You’ll take a dirt road onto Road 2325, then drive until you reach a small parking lot. The dirt road is very rough, so take it slow.
Alexander Tidwell/Google
jonathan Truong/Google
By Bureau of Land Management (United States Department of Interior/Wikimedia
There aren’t any services available at Derrick Cave, so bring plenty of water. Leave your pets at home - they’re not allowed inside the cave.
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Address: Derrick Cave, Oregon, USA
