Subway Cave in California

Subway Cave

When a nearby volcano erupted 20,000 years ago, the molten lava covered the floor of the Hat Creek Valley, creating these tunnel-like caves that stand here today.

Guide Sections

Use Subway Cave's guide sections to understand how this stop fits into the larger park plan.

Point of Interest

Subway Cave Details

Difficulty

Low

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

N/A

Region

N/A

When a nearby volcano erupted 20,000 years ago, the molten lava covered the floor of the Hat Creek Valley, creating these tunnel-like caves that stand here today. This cave is the largest one from that eruption and winds underground for approximately 1/3 of a mile. Despite the weather outside, the cave remains a constant 46-degrees. It is also completely pitch black on the inside, so make sure to bring a flashlight if you plan on walking through the tunnel.