Skylight Cave Exploration and Photography

It's been quite a few years since our group ventured deep into the forest outside of Sisters to experience Skylight Cave.

Ever see those photos where the beams of light pour into the slot canyons or caves? We're hoping to experience a little of that look without leaving Central Oregon.

Skylight Cave is one of most dramatic of the over 800 caves in Central Oregon. It is most known for the beams of light which pour down through openings in the cave roof.

On sunny summer days between around 9AM and 10:30AM, three sunbeams shoot down from the 35ft ceiling to the floor. If the weather is not sunny for our outing, we will still experience and photograph the cave as soft light fills the chamber.

This is a very friendly cave. Not technical at all. You do have to go down a short iron ladder into the entrance. We can hand down gear and spot each other if necessary.

PHOTOGRAPHY CONSIDERATIONS

• Lighting conditions will vary. For the large chamber with the sunlight openings, plan on bringing a wide angle lens for low light. A tripod for long exposures could be helpful. Please remember that you will have to carry your gear up/down the metal ladder into the cave.
• The opposite side in the cave is a normal lava tube with a low ceiling. Light painting and flash photography could be attempted in this darker side of the cave.

GEAR CONSIDERATIONS

• You will want to bring a tripod and a head lamp. Two sources of light are recommended for any caving. While the main chamber of this cave is tall, the other side is lower. Any kind of helmet (e.g., bike helmet) is handy to protect your head; and the helmet can hold your headlamp.
• Since the cave can be chilly, bring a jacket.
• Plan to wear good sturdy boots/shoes since the floor of the cave is original lava and uneven.

TENTATIVE TIMELINE

05:23am Sunrise
07:45am Meet in the Cascade Village Starbucks lot to carpool
08:00am Leave for Skylight Cave
09:00am Arrive at Skylight Cave
09:15am Enter and enjoy the cave
11:00am Return to Bend