Lake Shasta Caverns, Limestone cave system near Lake Shasta, California, US
Description
Lake Shasta Caverns is a limestone cave system located near Lake Shasta in California. The interior displays impressive mineral formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstone created through water erosion over millions of years.
History
James Richardson first explored the caves in 1878, leaving marks from carbide of his miner's lamp on the limestone walls. The construction of a new entrance tunnel in 1964 led to the discovery of an additional chamber containing mineral formations.
Culture
The site serves as an educational center where visitors learn about geological processes, mineral formation, and natural cave development through guided tours.
Practical
To visit the caverns, you first take a catamaran boat ride across Lake Shasta and then board a bus that carries you up the mountain to reach the cave entrance. This combined approach allows visitors to experience both the water route and the surrounding landscape from different vantage points.
Did you know?
While exploring, visitors can spot the carbide marks left by James Richardson over 100 years ago on the cave walls. These historical traces provide a direct connection to the cave's early explorers.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (California).
Shasta Lake
7.5 km
Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay
24.4 km
Castle Crags
41.4 km
Trinity Lake
38.9 km
Whiskeytown Lake
30.3 km
Pit River Bridge
4.9 km
Turtle Bay Exploration Park
24.8 km
Keswick Dam
24.5 km
Whiskeytown Dam
30.3 km
Cascade Theatre
25.8 km
Lewiston Lake
42.1 km
Lewiston Dam
42.4 km
WaterWorks Park
22.1 km
Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens
39.3 km
Castle Crags State Park
41 km
Pit 6 Dam
29.3 km
Spring Creek Reservoir
24.1 km
McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
24.3 km
Oasis Fun Center
17.4 km
Bowerman Barn
40.4 km
Edward Frisbie House
25.2 km
French Gulch Historic District
30.3 km
Brandy Creek Beach
30.6 km
Historic Hawes Farms
37.3 km
Fantasy Fountain
28.8 km
Silver Lake
39.9 km
Lower Pollard Flat Bridge
22.8 km
UP Sacramento River Bridge
31.2 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes