Boyd Cave


Useful Information

Location: Near Bend. From Bend follow U.S. Highway 97 (Dalles California Hwy) south for 6 km, then turn left into China Hat Road. After 14 km at the left side, turn into Forest Service Road 18-242, there is a tiny 242 sign.
Open: no restrictions.
Wanderlust Cave Tour: All year 9-12, 13:30-16:30.
[2008]
Fee: free.
Wanderlust Cave Tour: Adults USD 47, Children (5-12) USD 42, Children (0-4) not allowed.
[2008]
Classification: Speleologylava tube
Light: bring torch
Dimension: L=800 m.
Guided tours: self guided, L=1600 m, D=1 h.
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address: Deschutes National Forest, Tel: +1-541-383-4000.
Wanderlust Tours, Tel: +1-800-962-2862, Tel: +1-541-389-8359. E-mail: contact
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History


Description

Although Boyd Cave is not a show cave, it is somewhat developed. Gravel Forest Service Road 18-242 leads to the entrance, which is just a hole in the ground with a rusty fence. There is a parking loop and a staircase leading down into the cave.

The main tunnel starts to the left, the cave is about 800 m long with a mostly flat floor. There are some narrow and low parts, sometimes there are fallen rocks on the floor. At the end the tunnel becomes a very low crawl.

The cave is open all year, so it is a fine tour for a poor weather winter day. It may be visited on your own, but it is also possible to take a guided tour with Wanderlust Tours. They provide helmets, headlamps and gloves, sturdy boots and warm clothes are also a good idea.