Huge volumes of lava poured forth from deep cracks in the earth 30,000 years ago. Molten rock crawled northward 16 miles and covered the floor of Hat Creek Valley. As the top layer cooled and hardened, the now solid roof insulated the rivers of lava that continued to flow underneath. Eventually, the lava drained away, leaving tube-like caves.
About a third of a mile long, Subway Cave is a section of one such lava tube now partially concealed by a pine forest mixed with scrub brush.
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| The Area Around Subway Cave |
The hardened top layer of lava rock and remnants of a ceiling cave-in become obvious at the entrance to Subway Cave.
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| The Entrance |
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| Inside the Entrance |
It takes a surprisingly few steps for you to become completely engulfed in darkness. From this point, I could only make my way and take photos by the illumination from my headlamp.
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| The Darkness Comes Quickly |
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| Lava Tube as Seen by Headlamp |
The walls display varied textures and patterns created during the cooling process.
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| Bubbled Rock |
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| Nature's Abstract Art |
The ceiling ranges in height from about 7 feet to 15 feet or more. The roof is at least 20 feet thick throughout the length of Subway Cave.
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| Ceiling of the Lava Tube |
As the hot lava drained away, it left behind a froth mixed with pumice that hardened into the rough and uneven floor seen today. Taking an odd step, stumbling, or even tripping is commonplace, especially with the limited scope of your light and the distraction of the walls, ceiling, and interpretative signs.
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| Grooves & Ridges in the Floor |
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| Jagged Protrusions |
The cooling lava rock shrunk and cracked thereby weakening areas where the hardened shell was thin and ultimately resulted in a partial to total collapse. Such an area is located near the exit to Subway Cave.
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| Collapsed Rocks |
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| Where the Rocks Used to Be |
Due to the lava tube's twist and turns, the exit comes upon you somewhat unexpectedly. As with the entrance, the exit provides an excellent visual of the lava tube's outer crust.
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| Arrival at the Exit |
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| The Exit of Subway Cave |
A short, above-ground trail through trees, bushes, and rocky outcroppings returns you to the parking lot.
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