Skylight Cave in Oregon is one of the best things to do near Bend, Oregon. Located in Deschutes County in Central Oregon, this impressive lava tube features three skylights.
Skylight Cave formed from a lava flow, but then the outer shell of the lava tube collapsed inward on itself. This caused the three fissures that are now the skylights that make it famous.
Skylight Cave is located 30 minutes northwest of Sisters, Oregon. It is about an hour northwest of Bend, Oregon. It is in the Deschutes National Forest.
Skylight Cave is only open to the public from May through mid-September each year. This is because it is a bat habitat, and the bats inhabit it during the winter months.
There is a sturdy metal ladder installed in Skylight Cave to climb down into the entrance. Be careful getting to the ladder as there is a dropoff.
Skylight Cave is much colder than the outside air. Prepare for temperatures in the 40s and wear layers so you can be comfortable at any temperature.
The best sunlight is in the morning for a couple of reasons. Try getting there between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. to see the light rays.