Subway Caves, Lassen National Forest CA

• 4-star hike
• 0.5 mile loop
• Easy difficulty | Gain 50 feet
• Old Station, CA | Lassen National Park
• Driving Directions: Trailhead



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.

Subway Cave Loop


Subway Cave Loop 4★
0.5 mi, Loop, Easy, Gain 50 ft
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails

Flashlights are a necessity in the cave, but forgetful folk may be able to rent them from the information center at Old Station just south of the Subway Cave park. Smartphone flashlights will do in a pinch. Jackets are recommended too 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.


Steps down into the lava tube.

Tangents:
• Trail Links: Official, Public Map at Public
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article

Lassen Volcanic's Best Hikes
You'll find every type of volcano in Trailspotting's Best Hikes of Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Yosemite's Best Hikes
Epic scenery and adventures await. Trailspotting's Best Hikes of Yosemite National Park is a great place to start.

San Francisco's Best Hikes
For great Bay Area trails check out Trailspotting's Best Hikes of the San Francisco Bay.