Skylight Cave

The hardest part about getting to Skylight Cave is the drive. Start by coming from Sisters, Oregon, and use the driving directions below to find it. The Google Maps pin is accurate, and if you like coordinates, you can use 44°20'55.3"N 121°42'55.9"W as well.

It's recommended you download an offline map of the area in advance, as it has no service most of the way. It takes roughly 6-7 miles of driving on some dirt/gravel roads to get there, so vehicles with low clearances aren't recommended. This is definitely doable in a 2WD vehicle, but is best fared by a vehicle with 4WD.

Parking is not allowed at the entrance of the cave itself, so turn back the way you came a little bit and park on the turnoff. The entrance is clearly marked by a forest service sign with a number of bulletins, one of which states that the cave is closed from October to May in order to protect the bat habitat. You will descend down a small, sturdy metal ladder to enter the cave. If you make your way left, you will find the "skylights" after about 300 feet. If you go right, there is about 900 feet of cave to explore, but ultimately it dead ends. There are no services at the site, so utilize a pack in, pack out policy. Please sign the entrance log so the forest service can track visitors, and leave this place as you found it so others can continue to enjoy it.

The cave is only open in the summer months, but luckily this is the best time to go, as this is when the three light beams illuminate the cave. In order to see the beams in their full glory, it is recommended you go between 8-10 AM. After that, the angle of the sun prevents the light beams from shining in the cave. Do keep in mind that on overcast days, the beams will not be visible, so try to plan going on a day with clear skies for direct sunlight. 

Directions:
44°20'55.3"N 121°42'55.9"W

1. Coming from Highway 20/126 northwest of Sisters, Oregon, turn onto Geo McAllister Road (enter "McAllister Road Sisters OR" on your phone's map app). The road is directly across the turnoff for Camp Sherman.
2. After about a quarter mile, turn right onto the dirt forest road 2061.
3. Continue for nearly 6 miles on 2061 through the forest on this dirt road. You will eventually reach a clearing with many bare trees, with a fork in the road shortly thereafter.
4. Turn left at the fork onto 1028. Continue for roughly half a mile.
5. Turn left onto 260 (which soon turns into 2060).
6. Skylight Cave will be on the right after about a mile. There is a forest service sign on the side of the road so you can't miss it.

NOTE: These forest roads are known to be blocked by downed trees from time to time, so these directions may change. This post was last updated in August, 2017. It is best to check with the Deschutes National Forest Ranger Station in Sisters for the latest information on how to get to Skylight Cave (they also have an informational handout) either by visiting their office at US-20 & S Pine St, or by calling them at 541-549-7700 (M-F, 8am-4:30pm).