Lake Shasta Caverns FAQ

Yes

Our spacious lot allows for large vehicles like RVs, but please understand that the road leading to our caverns is narrow and winding. This may make it difficult to navigate your vehicle.

Please try to arrive 30 minutes before your preferred tour time. You'll then have adequate time to purchase your ticket or complete your online ticket check-in and walk to the boat.

The boat departs right at the tour time -- with no exceptions. If you arrive late, you may have to wait. During peak season, waiting time may increase, especially around Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day. We will do our best to accommodate you.

Our tours generally last about two hours. This includes a 10-minute boat ride across the McCloud arm of the Shasta Lake, a 10-minute bus ride up to the cavern's entrance, and a 45 to 60-minute guided tour in the caverns. You'll then return.

We accept cash, as well as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. We presently do not accept personal checks.

Not unless you're part of a group of 20 or more. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis.

Bring your printed tickets to the gift store to receive a boarding pass. You will be booked on the next available tour. Please note that your printed online ticket is not a boarding pass.

Your online ticket is valid for any tour on the date that you purchased it.

Yes. The road to the caverns is private and can only be accessed by our vehicles.

Special equipment like helmets or flashlights is not required, but you may wish to bring your camera and a bottle of water. Most folks like to leave large bags and food in their cars. Backpacks and strollers are banned for safety reasons.

The caverns are constantly 58 degrees Fahrenheit with a high humidity level of 90 to 95%. This raises the temperature to about 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Consider the current outside weather and wearing comfortable shoes, since the tour includes extensive walking and stair climbing. A light sweatshirt is nice if you get cold easily.

Click HERE to get up-to-date weather conditions.

Registered service animals are allowed, as well as friendly pets that can be carried for the whole tour. Please do not leave pets unattended in your car while you're on the tour. Ask our store clerk for assistance.

There is an extensive walking component of the tour, and it is not recommended for people suffering from heart conditions, knee or back issues or other medical conditions that may hinder your ability to walk for a long time.

There are over 600 stairs in the caverns. For those who are unable to walk so many stairs, there is a halfway point, and you may choose to exit the caverns and wait in the visitor center. We will play a narrated video tour.

We also offer a ticket for the bus and boat rides only for folks who wish to wait in the visitor center for the tour's duration.

No climbing or crawling is required. Passages are the same size as a hallway. Rooms are generally very open.

Unfortunately, they are not, due to their natural layout. Our parking lot, picnic area and gift store are accessible.

We offer a shaded picnic area for relaxing and eating, a playground called the "Rock Box" and a mining sluice next to the "Lost Cabin Mine." You may purchase a gemstone or bag of fossils there.

Our gift store is filled with unique items, souvenirs, and rock merchandise. We also have a snack bar offering hot dogs, pizza, nachos, soft drinks, ice cream and additional seasonal snacks. Stop by our back deck for a beautiful view of the McCloud arm of the Shasta Lake.