Bend Oregon Guided Lava Tube Cave Tour
Active
3h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Join us for an epic subterranean adventure deep below the Earth’s surface! Bend is home to a vast amount of lava tube cave networks, that were formed thousands of years ago by volcanic activity. During our two hours underground in the darkest, quietest spot the Earth can provide, our naturalist guides will impart their vast knowledge of the region's geology while we adventure through this incredible cave system. Wanderlust Tours is the only guide company permitted in these lava caves. These caves are wild caves, meaning there is no paved path or lighting. Wanderlust Tours will outfit your group with helmets and headlamps. We also recommend wearing hiking boots or sturdy shoes to help navigate the uneven, rocky terrain as well as a fleece jacket and jeans as the caves stay at 45 degrees Fahrenheit year round! These volcanically formed geologic wonders are a truly breathtaking place to explore!
** Please read through the "Additional Info" section for details about the caves difficulty.
Available options
Bend Oregon Guided Lava Tube Cave Tour
What's included
We will outfit each guest with a helmet and headlamp
Award-winning Naturalist Guide and interpretation
What's not included
You are more than welcome to bring a snack, granola bar, etc.
Please bring a bottle of water with you, preferably a reusable one!
Guide gratuity
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.5
6 reviews
5★
5
4★
0
3★
0
2★
1
1★
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Tripadvisor
4.8
13 reviews
5★
11
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Closed toed shoes (boots or a sturdy pair of running shoes) are a must! These are wild caves with uneven walking surfaces.
The caves stay at 45 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. We recommend a fleece jacket and jeans/ pants. Expect to get a bit dusty while in the cave.
All guests must fill out a waiver. Waiver's can be filled out with your cell phone in our office prior to departure.
Recommended for children 5 and older.
Guide gratuities are not included in the cost of your tour. Please extend the customary gratuity, when warranted, on a voluntary basis.
Updated Tour Details for Summer 2025: Due to Forest Service closures impacting the area where our usual caves are located, we will be guiding in Lava River Cave for the summer of 2025. The cave is open to the general public (via ticket, in an un-guided fashion) each week, Friday - Monday. If you join us on a tour during these days, it is very likely you will see other people exploring in the cave as well. For tours booked Tuesday - Thursday, the cave is not open to the public but is open to educational experiences such as school groups so it is still possible there will be others in the cave.
Not recommended for travelers that have difficulty with walking/ balance on uneven, rocky terrain
While we've had guests on our cave tours ranging from 5 to 85, we describe our cave tour as having an easy to moderate level of difficulty. It is a wild cave with no lights or path (we provide helmets and headlamps). You will be walking on uneven terrain, have to scramble over some rocks, etc. If you have questions about the cave's difficulty, it is best to contact us directly!
Meeting point
All tours depart from our office which is located in the Fred Meyer shopping center. Our office is located on the SE corner of the shopping center near the Fueling Station. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before your tour departure.
Important notes
All tours depart from the Wanderlust Tours office. We will check guests in upon arrival. Please have your confirmation email ready if needed. Our tours depart promptly at their start time so please arrive to our office 15 minutes prior to the tour departure time to check in. All guests must fill out a waiver prior to departure. Waivers can be filled out with a smart phone in our office.
About Bend
Bend is a vibrant city nestled in the high desert of central Oregon, known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and thriving craft beer scene. With the Cascade Mountains as a backdrop and the Deschutes River flowing through its heart, Bend offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.
Top Attractions
Deschutes River Trail
A scenic trail following the Deschutes River, perfect for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.
Nature
2-4 hours
Free
Mount Bachelor
A popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking, offering stunning views of the Cascade Mountains.
Adventure
Half day to full day
Moderate to Expensive
High Desert Museum
A unique museum showcasing the natural and cultural history of the high desert region.
Museum
1-2 hours
Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Trout
Freshly caught trout prepared in various ways, often grilled or fried.
Dinner
Gluten-free options available
Craft Beer
Bend is known for its numerous craft breweries, offering a wide variety of beers.
Drink
Vegan and gluten-free options available
Popular Activities
Skiing
Snowboarding
Mountain biking
Rock climbing
Spa treatments
River floats
Wine tasting
Museum visits
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the busiest time in Bend, with warm weather and abundant outdoor activities. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during these months.
15°C to 32°C (59°F to 90°F)
59°F to 90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English, Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Time Zone (PT) (GMT-8)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Bend is generally safe, but visitors should take standard precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be aware of your surroundings
- • Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas
Getting there
By air
- Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport • 155 miles (249 km) from Bend
- Redmond Municipal Airport • 20 miles (32 km) from Bend
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station in Bend
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is affordable and convenient for getting around Bend. Fares are $1.50 per ride.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Bend
Old Mill District
Day trips
Crater Lake National Park
100 miles (161 km) • Full day
A stunning national park featuring the deepest lake in the United States.
Smith Rock State Park
20 miles (32 km) • Half day
A popular destination for rock climbing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Festivals
Bend Oktoberfest • Late September to early October
Bend WinterFest • February
Pro tips
- Visit during the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and pleasant weather
- Rent a car to explore the surrounding natural areas
- Try local craft beer and Pacific Northwest cuisine
- Book accommodations and activities in advance during peak seasons
- Respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
