De’ek wadapush, Rock formation and historic place in Douglas County, United States

Cave Rock, or deʔek wadapush, is a column of volcanic andesite rising about 250 feet (76 m) above U.S. Route 50 north of Stateline, Nevada. The rock is a remnant of a volcanic vent whose original cone has eroded away. Its caves were carved by waves when Lake Tahoe stood hundreds of feet higher during the Last Glacial Period. U.S. 50 passes beneath it through the Cave Rock Tunnel.

The rock formation was created through volcanic processes millions of years ago and later added to the National Register of Historic Places. This recognition highlights its importance to regional history and heritage.

The Washoe name deʔek wadapush means Standing Gray Rock. The Washoe hold the formation sacred and believe only shamans should visit the area; in 1997 they asked to ban women from it, a request refused, while a later request to ban climbers was approved. The rock is open to hikers.

Visitors can find the formation at coordinates 39.046597, -119.948056 with multiple hiking trails providing access to viewing areas. The trails vary in difficulty, so visitors should bring proper footwear and water.

Two tunnels were constructed through the rock formation in 1931 and 1957, connecting modern infrastructure with this natural geological feature. These passages show how human development shaped the landscape.