Road Trip 2013: High Desert Museum and Lava River Cave

Thursday, 9/12:  340 mile day trip using Cory's car.

Beautiful drive from Roseburg to Bend, and back via Rt. 138 and Rt. 97.

Both Cory and Molly had suggested the High Desert Museum in Bend as a place to check out.  The museum opened in 1982.  It combines the cultural and historical information of the High Desert region of Central Oregon, along with environmental and wildlife aspects of the region.  The indoor galleries contain art, artifacts and exhibits illustrating life in the 1800's.  The outdoor are has a half mile walking path the incorporate wildlife, such as otters, and rehabilitated Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, lynx and bobcat.  There is also a reconstructed 1804 settlers homestead that includes a sawmill and other buildings.  All in all, the museum reminds me of the Wild Center in Tupper Lake, NY.  Both "museums" are incorporating the culture, environment and wildlife of a region through facilities that feature hands on activities for kids, and are focused on teaching the visitor.

1935 Forest Service Fire Truck.

Stage Coach.

Bob cat.

Walking path

1804 farmstead and sawmill.

Life size barb wire sculpture of mare and foal.

Life size bronze sculpture of Bald Eagle.

Life size bronze of fighting bull elks.

When I was researching things to do in the Bend area, I came across the Lava River Cave, a part of the Newberry Volcanic National Monument.  Lava River Cave is a collapsed lava tube, formed from an eruption some 100,000 years ago.  As the 2,100 degree lava flows downhill, the outside of the flow cools, creating a hard crust.  Eventually the last of the molten lave drains out, leaving a hollow tube.  This particular tube cave is the longest in Oregon, stretching for one mile.  Over time, fine sand has washed down through cracks in the rock, creating a sandy floor, and plugging the lower end of the cave.

The public is allowed to hike it unguided.  It is absolute pitch dark in the cave.  There is no artificial lighting other than what you bring!!  All you need is good light (you can rent lanterns) and good shoes and a warm jacket.  The temperature inside the cave is a constant 42 degrees, which feels really good when the day is 88 outside the cave.  Now the cave may be a mile long, but since there is only one entrance, you have to retrace the mile walk to exit the cave.  So the whole activity is a two mile hike in 42 degree temperatures.  It was a really neat experience, and I'm glad I did it.

Entering the cave through a collapsed roof portion and over a bolder field.

Descending 126 steps into the cave.  After that, there are no additional steps or railings.

Narrow passage around collapsed rock from the ceiling.

Collapsed ceiling rock.

Wide open, maybe 30 feet wide and 20 feet high.

Tight fit.

Another tight fit.

Exiting the cave after a two mile hike.

I think some wine tasting at nearby local wineries is in the plans for the weekend, along with helping Cory on a couple of house/yard projects.  On Sunday, I move to the Susan Creek Campground to start on the archeological dig on Monday.........