Subway Cave, Lassen National Forest CA

• 5-star hike
• ½ mile loop
• Easy | Gain 50 feet
• Old Station, CA | Lassen Region
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The image shows the entrance to a cave with a person standing inside, holding a light source. The cave entrance is illuminated by natural light coming from outside, highlighting a set of stairs leading up to the surface. The stairs are surrounded by rocks and moss, creating a rugged and natural environment.

The image shows the entrance to a cave with a person standing inside, holding a light source. The cave entrance is illuminated by natural light coming from outside, highlighting a set of stairs leading up to the surface. The stairs are surrounded by rocks and moss, creating a rugged and natural environment.

Twenty thousand years ago and just 15 miles north of Lassen Volcanic National Park, the ground broke apart and huge volumes of volcanic rock poured forth to create the enormous expanse that is the Hat Creek Lava Flow. Exposed to the air, the top of the lava flow began to cool and solidify, while molten rock below continued to flow - insulated by the now solid roof and creating lava tubes which carried the red-hot rock miles from its source.

Subway Cave is a section of lava tube less than a third of a mile long, located between two areas of ceiling cave-ins. Substantial concrete steps have been constructed at both ends of the cave, providing easy access for all would-be spelunkers. Those who don't want to walk the full loop can still get a great experience by entering the cave and turning around at any point.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ Subway Cave Loop 0.5 mi loop, easy, gain 50 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

A flashlight or headlamp per person is recommended within the cave, but forgetful folk may be able to rent them from the information center at Old Station just south of the cave. A smartphone flashlight might be adequate in a pinch, but they're not the best option for cave exploration. Jackets are also recommended, since the cave has a cool atmosphere despite outside temperatures.

Subway Cave is open between May and October only as winter weather conditions restrict access during other times of the year.

The image shows a descending concrete staircase with metal railings leading into a cave entrance. The cave entrance is surrounded by rocky terrain and vegetation. The staircase has multiple landings and turns, and the metal railings appear weathered. The cave entrance is dark, and the surrounding rocks have a rugged texture.

The image shows a descending concrete staircase with metal railings leading into a cave entrance. The cave entrance is surrounded by rocky terrain and vegetation. The staircase has multiple landings and turns, and the metal railings appear weathered. The cave entrance is dark, and the surrounding rocks have a rugged texture.

Steps down into the lava tube.

Tangents:
• Official: Forest Service
• AllTrails Public: Subway Cave
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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