Scenic mountain and river landscapes get a lot of (deserved) attention, but there’s something truly unique about exploring a cave! Much of the landscape north and east of Redding was created by volcanic activity. Because of this, many lava tubes are scattered throughout the region. Fortunately for explorers like you, there are several caves open to the public! Below we've put together a weekend itinerary hitting some of our favorite caving sites. So pack the bus, grab a flashlight, and get ready to channel your inner spelunker!

Your first stop is Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark - three adventures in one! Start the tour with a catamaran cruise across Shasta Lake, then hop on a bus and make your way to the beautiful and historic limestone caves. Once there, you'll be taken on a guided tour of caves that have been 250 million years in the making!

After you've toured Shasta Caverns, head out to Subway Cave. Maintained by the US Forest Service, this lava tube is unusually easy to explore, with ample headroom and a rubble-free floor. The U.S. Forest Service has installed concrete stairs, a trail from the parking lot, and interpretive signs explaining the origins of the cave. This is the largest accessible tube in this flow, and temperatures remain at about 46° F year-round. Be sure to take a light jacket and a flashlight. (There is no lighting inside the cave, so the flashlight is essential!)

Finish the weekend by heading to Lava Beds National Monument. Enjoy the trip on the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway and take in some of the gorgeous landscapes of the area. Once you've arrived, plan the day to explore the varied landscape of this national monument. Over the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions have created a rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features. More than 800 caves, Native American rock art sites, historic battlefields, and a high desert wilderness experience await you.

The caves at Lava Beds are the star of the show, and there are certainly plenty to choose from! There are opportunities for everyone, from the first-time cave visitor to the experienced spelunker. Or you can always join a ranger for a guided tour of Fern Cave or the Crystal Ice Cave, some of the most spectacular caves on the property. (Available seasonally.)

Once you've had your fill of exploring Lava Beds, head back to Redding for dinner - or maybe a show at the Cascade Theater or Civic Auditorium - for the perfect relaxing end to a weekend of caving.

Starting day one in Redding, it’s about a half-hour drive to Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark. The caverns tour lasts two hours. Once the tour is over, we recommend grabbing lunch at the caverns, or eating a packed lunch at their picnic tables before embarking on the hour and half drive to Subway Cave. (Alternatively, you could stop for lunch in Redding on the way.) Once you’re at Subway Cave, expect to spend a minimum of a half-hour exploring. Once you’ve finished at Subway Cave, it’s an hour’s drive back into Redding.

For day two, it’s a two and a half hour drive from Redding to Lava Beds National Monument. Plan to spend at least a half day exploring the monument before driving back to Redding.