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Redmond Lava Caves Series LbNA #20546

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Feb 15, 2006
Location:
City:Redmond
County:Deschutes
State:Oregon
Boxes:3
Planted by:troutehole
Found by: LCAB (2)
Last found:Oct 29, 2013
Status:FFFFFOFFFFFFFF
Last edited:Feb 15, 2006
UPDATE: Redmond's lava caves (actually a series of 'caves' created when a lava tube collapsed in several spots) aren't as dramatic as some others in Central Oregon, but they have the added bling of being nearly in the middle of town.

Because of their proximity to a population base, the caves have been heavily abused over the years. Looters carried off what evidence of ancient settlements existed and kids used the caves to party. The caves are on BLM land and the road leading into them was fenced several years ago, curtailing the partying by a mile. U of O has been conducting acheological explorations as well, so the caves are finally getting the respect they deserve.

Please continue the new tradition of respect as you explore the site.
You're more likely to encounter a family of rockchucks, but use caution -- rattlesnakes are not unheard of.



DIRECTIONS: These boxes arent't exactly a drive-by, but they might as well be. The walk is less than a half mile at best. Come prepared with good shoes if you want to enter the caves and bring a flashlight.Claustrophobes probably want to avoide the cave interiors, they are not large.

Just south of Redmond's downtown, turn east on Yew Avenue from Highway 97. If you exit from the southbound lane, you need to turn left and go under the highway. You will be on Airport Way (if you pass Wal-Mart, you are going in the right direction) After you pass SW 13th, count two fireplugs, then look for a turnout on the north side of the road with large boulders on each side. There is small parking area near a metal gate.

CLUES
Box #1: From the parking area walk about 15 paces due east and you will see the first cave, tucked in a ravine. Enter the mouth of the cave and follow the sandy path to the large chamber.
After you've had a good look around, turn due south and exit the cave.
Walk along the bottom of the ravine, towards Airport Way. Find the two round steel posts on the wire fence, turn your back to the fence and head back to the cave entrance.
Dizzy yet?
At the entrance, stand with your back to the brown sign on the metal post. East on the money - 90 degrees- is a small juniper on top of the ravine lip. A clump of rocks just below it, on its northwest side, hides the box.

Box #2: Exit the ravine and walk north along the dirt road until you spy another cave on your right a short distance away.
Walk towards the cave entrance and find another brown sign. Face south from the sign post and look for a giant bonzai tree springing from a rock. Walk to the tree and turn north -- follow the rim of the ravine along its eastern edge for 25 paces. From this spot, turn away from the cave opening then look for a bipolar juniper, dead on one side. The box is nestled in the fork.

Box #3: Head back to the road and continue to walk away from the parking area. The third cave will become visible almost immediately. Head to its rooftop and face north. Walk 19 paces northeast to a cluster of trees. Turn your back to its branches and walk 62 paces at 282 degrees. From this tree turn 110 degrees and walk 10 paces to the pile of rockchuck condos. The box is tucked inside and festooned with a faux sage branch.