A cool trip: Lava River Cave tour proceeds support forest program hit by federal funding cuts
Jillian Fortner
(Update: Adding videos, Adding details, Jillian Fortner has a report at 6)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Lava River Cave, Oregon’s longest known lava tube, is now open for summer guided tours. The nonprofit Discover Your Forest is offering tours for a second season, after launching the program as a pilot last year.
The tour lasts roughly 90 minutes to two hours.
“We stop along the way to discuss geology, ecology, the bats in the cave and what visitors are seeing. We do kind of give an introduction so people know what they’re getting into to feel safe and comfortable as well”, said Sophia Zoll, Conservation Educator for Discover Your Forest.
The cave stretches two miles underground, with ceilings reaching up to 60 feet.
Visitors are encouraged to dress in warm layers, as temperatures inside the cave stay around 42 degrees year-round. A strong flashlight is also recommended.
“We do provide flashlights here, available for rent for $7. They’re really nice, powerful flashlights. If you do bring your own flashlight, you’re absolutely welcome to, but just make sure they’re really powerful.” Zoll said.
Visitors are also asked to wear clothing and gear that haven’t been inside other caves, to help prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome, a deadly disease that affects bats.
“There aren’t any official confirmed cases of white-nose syndrome in Oregon, as of 2025. But as of 2024, white-nose syndrome spread through Washington more than it ever had. So that’s right up against the Columbia River Gorge,” Zoll said.
All proceeds from the tours go to Discover Your Forest, which supports conservation and educational programs in the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests.
The nonprofit says the funding comes at a critical time.
“It’s more important than ever for us to keep our education programs free and have programs like this, the guided tours that allow us to do so due to the changes in federal funding,” said Laken Bose, Discover Your Forest’s Director of Education and Interpretation.
These funding issues are part of a nationwide trend that has seen thousands of probationary and seasonal Forest Service employees laid off in 2025, further straining nonprofit partners like Discover Your Forest.
“Because so many nonprofits are feeling that lack of federal funding, competition for grants has become more intense than it has in the past as well,” Bose said.
Tour prices range from free to $60, depending on age, and donations can also be made online to support the organization’s mission.
Lava River Cave guided programs are available on Thursdays, June 6 through September 5, with the exception of Thursday, July 4. Programs are at 2:00 p.m. and last one and a half to two hours. No hiking or caving experience is necessary.
Prior registration is required. Please register at: Lava River Cave Tours – Discover Your Forest. A Recreation.gov timed ticket is not required for this program.
For questions, please contact Laken Bosé, Education and Interpretive Programs Manager at (541) 383-5557 or laken.bose@discovernw.org