There is truly no place in the world that can compare to Northern California’s diverse landscapes. We truly have it all! World-famous mountain ranges, pristine ocean beaches, towering redwood forests, and so much more are just waiting to be discovered. However, one of our most unique landscapes resides in Lassen Volcanic National Park. It’s here you’ll stumble upon an otherworldly landscape full of volcanic formations, including some adventure-worthy caves. Featured here is the park’s most notable cave hike and the explorer in you will definitely want to check it out!
One of the most easily accessible lave tube caves in the world is located right here in Northern California. Subway Cave can be found right outside of Lassen Volcanic National Park and you can literally hike right into it. This cave hike is sure to please young and old hikers alike. Check it out.
Subway Cave is located directly right off of Highway 89, just north of the park. The parking area is well-signed and you shouldn't have trouble finding it. The trailhead sets off from the parking lot and leads you through the forest before arriving at the cave's entrance.
At the cave's entrance you'll descend down a series of stairs. From here, hikers can trek through the entirety of the cave to the exit which will take you back on the loop trail that leads back to the parking lot. Alternatively, you can take your time exploring the inside of the cave and surrounding area.
If you consider yourself claustrophobic at all, you have nothing to fear. The cave is actually quite wide, at least 20 or 30 feet across, and the ceiling is also relatively tall. No helmets or crawling required!
As you continue along the cave hike, you'll start to notice that the cave branches off into little "cul-de-sacs". One of the area's is called "Lucifer's Cul-de-sac" and appears to be a large room with ceilings about 15-feet high. It's mind-boggling to think that nature was the sole thing responsible for creating such a unique cave.
You'll definitely want to remember to bring a flashlight since the cave is pitch black once you are fully inside. Also keep in mind that the cave remains quite cool throughout the year so a jacket is always a good idea.
The cave is just 1/3 of a mile long but it's still incredibly impressive. The wide corridors and tall ceilings make it the perfect place to explore an actual lave tube. It won't be long before you see a light at the end of the tunnel, marking the exit.
There's something almost mystical about exploring Subway Cave. Considering this place is the result of thousands of years worth of erosion, walking through the cave today is an incredible experience you're bound to love. Explore a part of Northern California that doesn't often see the light of day and visit soon!
For more information about Subway Cave, you can visit the Forest Service website here. The cave is open from April through October, so start planning your visit soon!
Have you accomplished this cave hike before? This is definitely a side of California you don’t get to see very often. Be sure to check out the rest of these 11 Underground Adventures In Northern California for more unique explorations.
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