Family Trip July 3: Black Chasm Cavern

This is a cave first discovered by man in 1850 during the gold rush.  This cave had a small opening, just about a foot and a half wide, and was very dark in side.  That is how it got its name.  The minor who found it hoped to find gold inside, but no such luck.  He then began giving tours and got other's gold in that manner.  It has changed hands over the years, and at one time was going to be mined for the calcite.  However this gave has some of the best helictite crystal in the world, and was named a National Treasure as a result.  The people who owned the gave decided not to mine.  The gave is now used as a tourist attraction and tours are given daily.

It is hard to do this cave justice with my pictures.  The Helictite is wonderful.  Also has flows, stalactites and stalagmites, columns, underground water, and many cool features. However, the nicest thing on a hot day was the 57 degree temperature inside.

A few of an underwater lake far below and hard to tak

Helictites look like hardened white shoe strings.  In the cave it was very hard to get a good picture.

Caving: Craters of the Moon National Monument

Dew Drop Cave

Indian Tunnel

The plaque indicated it is called Indian Tunnel because of Indian mounds found by the entrance.  This may be what they were referring to.

Down the ladder and through a collapsed rubble

back at the ceiling

Around the rubble through a dark spot and to another collapse

There was more beyond the collapse, but it seemed formidable to me.  Miranda and Tony climbed all over it.

No stalactites or stalagmites but these buts are hardened dripping lava.  These are lava core caves, which form as the outer parts of the lave field cool, while the middle stays hot and continues to flow while the outer solidifies.   As the middle flows out a gave is left.

alternate entrance