Skylight Cave [Suggest Edits]

Description

Three stunning sun beams enter the aptly named Skylight cave lave tube from around 9-11 AM during the summer months. It's like the scene out of "Indiana Jones". The best viewing is near the summer solstice when the sun is aligned with the flow of the lava tube.

Short Walk: Just a few miles west of sisters, the Google Maps pin is accurate. Tip: Cell service is unreliable at best, download an offline map before departing. Please park a few hundred feet to the west of the cave to keep the road clear for others. The entrance to the cave is a hole in the ground where the roof of the lava tube has caved in. Access is not for the faint of heart as you must descend ~10 feet on a makeshift "ladder" consisting of 3 tree trunks with little nubbins of branches to use for foot and hand holds.

It was a bit nerve-racking getting in and out, but so very worth it!! Visitors to the skylight cave should dress warm (cave temp 40 degrees), bring at least two reliable lights and exercise caution while exploring the cave as the lava surface is quite rough and could cause cuts abrasions. Access is limited September 30 through May 1 to protect hibernating bats.

Gem Type: Cave