Explore Oregon Podcast: Head underground at Lava River Cave and Mitchell Point Tunnel

JodieTravel2025-08-164670

In this edition of the Explore Oregon Podcast, host Zach Urness talks to outdoors intern Rose Shimberg about two of Oregon's subterranean destinations.

Urness and Shimberg talk first about the Lava River Cave, a mile-deep lava tube outside of Bend and the longest in Oregon. They go into the formations you can see and the different ways to reserve a trip to the popular destination.

In the second half, they discuss Mitchell Point Tunnel, which opened earlier this year to hikers and bikers. Recreating the crown jewel of the historic Columbia River Highway, the tunnel offers stunning views of the Gorge, with multiple hikes nearby to explore.

AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_lbckr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_15bckr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframe

Never miss an episode:Listen to the entire episode above or find us onSpotify,Apple Podcasts,GooglePodcastsorAmazon Musicand subscribe on your platform of choice to get future episodes.

Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 18 years and is host of theExplore Oregon Podcast. He can be reached [email protected] (503) 399-6801. Find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors and BlueSky atoregonoutdoors.bsky.social.