Subway Cave & Spattercone Trail - Lassen National Forest
This week we’re celebrating National Forest Week by exploring two wonderful trails inside Lassen National Forest. Join me as we head out to Subway Cave and Spattercone Nature Trail.
FAST FACTS
• Subway Cave Distance: > 1 mile
• Subway Cave Elevation Change: > 20 ft
• Subway Cave Difficulty: Easy
• Spatter Cone Distance: 1.7 miles
• Spatter Cone Elevation Change: > 200 ft
• Spatter Cone Difficulty: Easy
Entrance to Subway Cave Lava Tubes in Lassen National Forest
Entrance to Subway Cave Lava Tubes in Lassen National Forest
Subway Cave
While there are many lava tubes to explore in California, Subway Cave is one of the most exciting and easily accessible. Located near Old Station, the cave trailhead is right off Highway 89 about 1/4 mile north of State Route 44. Only 1/4 mile walk from the cave entrance, the ample parking area has picnic tables as well as restrooms. Scientists believe this cave formed thousands of years ago when large amounts of lava flowed across the Hat Creek area. When exposed to air, the lava on top cooled and hardened before the unexposed molten lava below. As the lower lava continued to flow away, it left the hard hollow tubes we’re exploring today.
Subway Cave Lava Tubes in Lassen National Forest
Subway Cave Know Before You Go
• The entrance to Subway Cave is known as the Devil’s Doorway, and you’ll have to walk down the large staircase to explore inside, so this lava tube is not wheelchair accessible.
• Pets are not allowed in the cave.
• Walking the entire length below is just over 1/3 of a mile (each way), and you can exit at either end.
• This is by no means a strenuous hike, but the terrain has been left very rough and uneven by the lava. You’ll want to wear very supportive closed-toed shoes or risk multiple scrapes, scratches and sprained ankles.
• Once you get down into the cave, it will be completely dark. It’s so dark inside the tube that if you only bring your cellphone as a light, you’ll barley be able to see your feet in front of you. A high powered flashlight or head lamp is definitely recommended.
• It’s also important to note that the temperature inside remains in the mid-40s even in the heat of Summer, so you my want to bring a jacket or sweatshirt with you.
Subway Cave Lava Tubes in Lassen National Forest
Puzzle Rock along Spattercone Nature Trail
Spattercone Nature Trail
Once you’ve checked Subway Cave off your list, travel just over a mile down the road and you’ll arrive at the 1.7 mile Spattercone Nature Trail. This loop takes you to the origin of the Hat Creek lava flow. Here you’ll see spatter cones, cinder cones, craters and so much more! Some of the trail highlights include the Collapsed Pit (a steep pit formed during the most recent eruption) and Puzzle Rock, which formed when very hot lava (about 2000 degrees) poured out of the fissures. The puzzle looking pieces are called ‘jointing’ – a system of vertical cracks that form the lava as it cools and contracts, leaving these blocks. Every mountain you see around you as you walk along this trail is a volcano! From Badger Mountain to Lassen Peak, which had a major eruption in 1917, it’s fascinating to hike through this very active volcanic area and view the many giants in the region.
Spattercone in Lassen National Forest
Spattercone Know Before You Go
• There are many informative plaques along this trail that will give you detailed information about each of the unique formations you’re passing.
• You’re welcome to go inside Subway Cave and explore…however, along the Spattercone Nature Trail it is very important to stay on the designated paths and stay above ground. Some of the rock formations and cave-ins are still very unstable and hazardous.
• While I didn’t see a bear or rattle snake on my most recent visit, I did see many lizards and a deer. This national forest is abundant in wildlife, so another important reason to stay on the trails is to protect and respect the local wildlife and vegetation.
• There are vault toilets located at the trailhead.
• There is zero shade on this hike, and it can get extremely hot in the Summer, so make sure to bring plenty of water and extra sun protection.
• This is a short hike with less than 200 feet in elevation change, but you are crossing the (PCT) Pacific Crest Trail on the hike.
Deer along the Spattercone Nature Trail in Lassen National Forest
Collapsed pit along Spattercone Nature Trail
In Summary & Behind the Blog Video
Thanks for visiting Lassen National Forest with me today. For a virtual visit to Spattercone Nature Trail and Subway Cave, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Spattercone Nature Trail in Lassen National Forest
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Read this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide for the best trips in California to take in 2023. Listed out in this article are 6 top road trips to take during each season, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. We'll explore mountain adventures in Yosemite and Lassen Volcanic National Park, as well as beach destinations in Big Sur. We'll head to the desert to discover unique landscapes in Death Valley.