Here in Oregon, the sky’s the limit when it comes to incredible outdoor recreation. But our adventures aren’t merely limited to the mountains, forests, seas, and, quite literally, the skies; there’s a whole world of wonder underground, too. In central Oregon, there’s an entire underworld that’s just waiting to be explored. Formed roughly 6,000 years ago, the Redmond Caves are spectacular, wondrous, and worthy of your next big adventure in Oregon.
Central Oregon is a place of immense beauty and intrigue. It’s on the outskirts of Oregon’s high desert region, and is a wholly unique place all its own.
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington/Flickr
The land is rocky and a bit barren, yet also forested and hilly. Wildlife ranges from birds and deer to terrestrial types like lizards… and cave dwelling creatures like rattlesnakes.
Jeff Scott/Google Local
And in the center of this diverse and intriguing ecosystem, sits Redmond Caves Recreational Site.
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
The Redmond Caves are a group of five lava tubes in central Oregon. They are some of the first-discovered caverns in the region, and archaeological artifacts reveal that they were once home to prehistoric Native Americans.
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
These lava tubes were originally formed by volcanic flows from the Newberry Caldera thousands of years ago.
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
Today, the Redmond Caves make for an intriguing and exciting place to explore and get up-close with Oregon’s fascinating history.
Andrew Hall/Google Local
There are five different caves at the site, each with its own opening. Some can be a bit of a tight squeeze, and you’ll definitely want to have a flashlight, iPhone, and headlamp handy. (It’s recommended explorers bring three different light sources into the caves.)
Shelby Gillam/Google Local
The caves are all relatively short and easy to explore. Once you’re underground, it should only take about five minutes to travel the full length.
Jeffrey Setzer/Google Local
The trails between caves are also fairly short and well-maintained. Hikers of all skill levels – including older kids – can easily make it to all caves. Please note that dogs are not allowed in the Redmond Caves.
Michael Pantalone/Google Local
If you’re up for an otherworldly, off-the-beaten-path adventure in Oregon, this is it!
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
Have you explored the Redmond Caves in Oregon before? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience! For more information on this epic Oregon adventure, visit the Redmond Caves Recreation Site website.
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington/Flickr
Jeff Scott/Google Local
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
Andrew Hall/Google Local
Shelby Gillam/Google Local
Jeffrey Setzer/Google Local
Michael Pantalone/Google Local
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Address: Redmond Caves, SE Airport Way, Redmond, OR 97756, USA
