Lava Cave

The unique topography of this area was formed by volcanic activity and there are some cool opportunities to learn about the formation of this area. We visited the Lava Lands Visitor Center and checked out the view from the top of Lava Butte. Lava Butte is a cinder cone, formed by lava flow and ash. The kids enjoyed the “float” activity at the center to see how lightweight the rocks are and learned they are full of gas holes which makes them able to float. Sarah made friends with a chipmunk up on top of the butte.We also enjoyed a stop at the Lava River Cave, a lava tube you can walk through. After about 30 minutes of walking we reached the end. Here are the kids in the cave - on hands and knees at this point to get through the tube. This was about was far as my slight claustrophobic self could handle. Thankfully it was only 42 degrees in there - had it been warmer Sarah and Nathan would have had the pleasure of carrying their mother out of the cave. :)