Oregon High Desert Grotto

The Caves of Central Oregon


Deschutes County has over 600 caves and is by far the most cave-rich county in the state of Oregon. But not all of those caves are recommended to the casual visitor. Some involve strenuous hikes, proper gear and equipment, or a tenacity for pushing dangerous and tight passages.


Our Grotto is an affiliate with the National Speleological Society, and we demonstrate safe caving practices. Typically we bring three sources of light per person, wear a helmet to protect our heads, and we don't go caving alone. We also avoid caves during the winter that have hibernating bats. Although, bat maternity colonies do exist in Central Oregon and we avoid those during the summer months.


Here is a closure schedule for caves with bats:

  •   Hibernation Closures - November 1st to April 15th. Cave entry ceases November 1st and resumes April 15th.
  •   Maternity Closures - April 16th to September 30th. Cave entry ceases April 16th and resumes September 30th.


    • For the casual visitor to the caves of Central Oregon, we recommend a few. Please note the bat closures for these caves, and avoid them at those times.

    Lava River Cave - Located 12.5 miles south of Bend. Lava River Cave is the longest lava tube in Oregon and a great cave for those new to the caves of Central Oregon. Bring warm clothing! Please visit their Official Website for times of access.

    China Hat Road Caves - Located off China Hat road southeast of Bend.

  •   Boyd Cave is open year round.
  •   Skeleton Cave is closed in an attempt to restore the bat population. The closure may be lifted in the future dependant on the results of further study.
  •   Arnold Ice Cave is open year round.
  •   Wind Cave is closed in an attempt to restore the bat population. The closure may be lifted in the future dependant on the results of further study.
  •   Charcoal Cave no. 1 is currently closed year round.
  •   Hidden Forest Cave is closed during the bat hibernation periods between November 1st and April 15th.
  •   Charlie-the-Cave is closed in an attempt to restore the bat population. The closure may be lifted in the future dependant on the results of further study.
  •   Pictograph Cave is closed during bat hibernation periods between November 1st and April 15th.
  •   Stookey Ranch Cave is on private property and gated.
  •   Charcoal Cave no. 2 is on private property and access is restricted.

    • Redmond Caves - Located in southeast Redmond. The park holds 5 caves (Lions Cave, Redmond Cave, Cave Next Door, Insignificant Redmond Cave, and No Account Redmond Cave. The caves should be avoided during bat hibernation periods between November 1st and April 15th.

    South Ice Cave - Located east of La Pine. The two caves are closed during bat hibernation periods between November 1st and April 15th.

    Skylight Cave - Located west of Sisters. This cave is closed during bat hibernation periods between November 1st and April 15th.

    Horse Cave - Horse Cave is located near Bend and is on private property. Access is only allowed with permission from the owner.