Off-Trail Caving Tour

Cork screw crawl space on the off-trail tour.

NPS/Rob Parenti

An Introduction to Off-Trail Caving at Oregon Caves

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable underground adventure. This is not your typical cave tour—it’s the real deal. Dive into the wild, unmarked depths of Oregon Caves with experienced caving guides who will teach you essential techniques and cave etiquette. Over three exhilarating hours, you and a small group of fellow explorers will scramble over ancient boulders, belly crawl through narrow passages, and squeeze through tight spaces as small as 11 inches high and 19 inches wide. It's a challenging yet awe-inspiring journey through marble wonders hidden far below the surface.

This exclusive off-trail caving experience is offered only in the summer, with dates and times released in mid-May.

Reservations Required

• Age Limit: 15 years and older.

What to Expect: A Physically Demanding Adventure

This adventure is not for the faint of heart. It’s a physically and mentally demanding journey that requires upper body strength, excellent balance, and the stamina to navigate steep, rocky terrain. You’ll rely solely on your headlamp to light your way as you maneuver through tight spots and crawl through spaces as narrow as 11 inches by 19 inches. If you have joint pain, breathing difficulties, or are prone to claustrophobia or panic attacks, we advise against joining this tour.

Essential Gear You Must Bring

To participate, you’ll need to bring your own sturdy, ankle-supporting boots with lug soles. These are mandatory to ensure your safety while navigating the cave’s rugged terrain. Without the proper footwear, you won’t be able to join the adventure.

We Provide Everything Else

We’ve got you covered with all the necessary gear, including helmets, headlamps, gloves, knee pads, elbow pads, and a complimentary bandana as a keepsake of your adventure. Please note that any gear or clothing previously used in other caves is strictly prohibited to protect the cave ecosystem.

Protect Our Bats

To help prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome, a deadly disease affecting bats, do not bring any gear or clothing previously used in caves or other bat habitats.