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Subway Cave – white lights inside tunnel📷 Photo by Deon Hua on Unsplash

Subway Cave

Old Station, CA

Nature

A lava tube about a third of a mile long near Old Station on SR-89. The cave is unlit and cool all year, so bring a flashlight and a jacket; it is usually open from late spring to autumn.

Subway Cave is a lava tube in Lassen National Forest near Old Station, about a quarter mile (400 m) north of the junction of Highways 44 and 89, across from Cave Campground. The tube formed in the Hat Creek lava flow, which is less than 20,000 years old. The underground portion is about 1,300 feet (400 m) long. The full loop, including the above-ground return, is about a third of a mile (roughly 500 m).

Inside it is completely dark, and the temperature stays around 46°F (8°C) year-round. You will need a reliable flashlight and a jacket; sturdy shoes are advisable. According to the Forest Service, the cave is open from late May through October and closed in winter (not rechecked as of October 2026); ask about current conditions before you go.

Nearest town
Old Station, CA
Category
Nature & parks
GPS
40.6850, -121.4192

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Sources

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Campsites nearby

All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Subway Cave?

Subway Cave is in Old Station, CA, at GPS 40.6850, -121.4192. It is about 26 mi from Burney Falls.

Can you camp near Subway Cave?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Cave Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 31 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Subway Cave?

Subway Cave is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lassen Volcanic loop: Burney Falls to the mud pots.

What is there to see near Subway Cave?

Places worth a stop nearby: Manzanita Lake (13 mi), Bumpass Hell (16 mi), Sulphur Works (17 mi) and McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park (26 mi).

When is the best time to visit Subway Cave?

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

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