Explore Stunning Lava Tubes Around the World

When it comes to mysterious and captivating natural wonders, few can rival caves and caverns. These dark spaces twinkle with geological oddities, unusual lifeforms, and winding passages that provoke curiosity and excitement. Some caves, however, hold an added significance, capturing moments frozen in time for thousands of years – such are the lava tubes.

Lava tubes are formed via a volatile and sudden process, unlike most caves that develop over prolonged periods through water dissolving softer rock. These unique volcanic caves are created when molten lava flows rapidly, carving out an opening as the lava cools and the crust hardens, ultimately leaving behind hollow chambers.

These lava tubes serve as time capsules of the past, offering visitors a chance to journey back millions of years. While such volcanic caves exist worldwide, we’ve selected four remarkable examples that showcase the power and scale of past eruptions. So gear up to experience these enchanting spaces – where the ground was once molten lava.

Boyd Cave – Bend, Oregon

Bend, Oregon, is widely recognized as the outdoor playground of the West, attracting people every year who seek fishing, rafting, skiing, and rock climbing experiences. This region is home to several lava tubes, a reminder of Central Oregon’s volcanic history. Although many were discovered by early pioneers in the 1800s, Native American tribes are believed to have known about them much earlier.

Located less than 15 miles outside of Bend, Boyd Cave requires a short descent down a steep steel staircase to enter. Inside, the tube maintains a steady temperature of 45 degrees and remains mostly dry throughout the year. Visitors should prepare for uneven ground with jagged rocks and bring a light source to navigate the darkness effectively. Headlamps are recommended for hands-free movement.

Although the exact age of Boyd Cave is unknown, local guides from Wanderlust Tours estimate it to be at least 70,000 years old. The cave’s floor, walls, and ceiling exhibit fascinating solidified lava drips. Adventurous explorers might even spot a Little Brown Bat resting above them. The typically 1,800-foot-long tube allows for ample clearance, although brave adventurers can crawl the last few feet if desired. Boyd Cave is accessible to the public year-round during daylight hours.

Leviathan Cave – Chyulu Hills National Park, Kenya

Chyulu Hills National Park, one of Kenya’s least-visited parks, boasts rolling hills and extinct volcanoes. Unlike more popular wildlife safari destinations, this park is home to Africa’s largest-known lava tube – Leviathan Cave (Kisula Caves). Discovered in 1975, it remains of indeterminate age and is divided into Upper and Lower Leviathan, stretching approximately seven miles in total.

Inside Leviathan Cave, visitors will encounter several bat species and may also pass large animal skeletons. Due to the unique challenges posed by this cave, safety equipment is essential, and visitors must enter with a guide or ranger upon receiving prior permission from the warden. As Leviathan is unlit and features a wet, uneven floor, it’s crucial to wear sturdy footwear and use a headlamp.

Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) – Hawaii

Emerging from the sea millions of years ago, Hawaii is renowned for its volcanoes and beautiful beaches. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park showcases this wonder, allowing visitors to see both snowy mountaintops and boiling lava in a single day, making it a prime location for spelunking adventures.

At just 500 years old, the park’s Thurston Lava Tube is young compared to many other volcanic caves. However, it has been a popular attraction for over a century, initially “discovered” by newspaper publisher Lorrin Thurston in 1913. While numerous lava tubes exist on the island, Nāhuku stands out for its accessibility, perfect for novice explorers. The tube’s height and width allow for easy passage without crawling, while the paved ground is relatively even. Upon closer inspection, the walls and ceiling reveal striking mineral colors and lava drips.

The cave is illuminated by LED lights from 10 am to 8 pm, yet visitors can choose to explore unlit sections for a more authentic experience. Ensure you bring your own light source and sturdy footwear, as the terrain can be uneven and wet. Rain is frequent in this Hawaiian region, and Nāhuku often collects puddles and drips from above. Stretching 600 feet, the tube has separate entrance and exit points leading to a lush tropical rainforest. Nāhuku welcomes visitors year-round.

Manjanggul Cave – Eastern Jeju-do, South Korea

Part of an extensive system of lava tubes estimated to be between 200,000 to 300,000 years old, Manjanggul Cave extends just over eight miles underground, although less than one mile is available to the public.

A wooden staircase leads visitors down into the cave, and while the path is lit, it’s wise to carry a personal light source due to extremely dim lighting in certain areas. A flashlight will illuminate the mineral colors on the lava formations lining the walls. Visitors should prepare for potentially wet and uneven ground, necessitating sturdy footwear to navigate through water pools and dripping stones.

Manjanggul Cave is truly a spectacular site, measuring 75 feet in width and reaching heights of 100 feet. The journey is as informative as it is breathtaking, with informational signs detailing the variety of lava formations encountered throughout. At the heart of the cave lies the tallest known lava column on Earth, measuring 25 feet – a must-see for any visitor. Furthermore, the cave is home to around 30,000 bats and unique creatures such as the large Jeju cave spider. With a single entrance and exit, visitors will retrace their steps upon leaving, and the cave is accessible year-round.

Tips for Visiting Lava Tubes

For those eager to explore lava tubes, Dave Nissen, founder of Wanderlust Tours, provides valuable advice:

• Leave the cave as you found it. Do not remove anything from or leave anything behind in the cave. Eating in caves is prohibited.
• Be cautious of the cave’s native wildlife, including spiders, bats, and other creatures. Avoid harming their habitats.
• In North America, sterilize clothing and equipment that have been in other caves to prevent spreading harmful fungi, such as that causing white-nose syndrome, which is deadly to bats.

For a casual spelunking adventure, minimal equipment is required. Nissen recommends wearing a helmet, using a headlamp, and dressing appropriately for the specific temperature and moisture levels within each cave.

Acquiring knowledge about the caves you’re set to visit increases safety and enjoyment. Inform someone of your plans, confirm the integrity of your gear, and if you encounter signs of wildlife such as mouse droppings, vacate the cave.

Exploring lava tubes can be an unforgettable experience for anyone fascinated by history and geology – so grab your gear and dive into the adventure!