Lake Shasta Caverns facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Shasta Caverns |
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A merged stalactite and stalagmite in the Lake Shasta Caverns.
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| Location | Shasta County, California |
| Area | 37 acres (15 ha) |
| Designated: | 2012 |
The Lake Shasta Caverns are amazing underground caves found near the McCloud arm of Shasta Lake in California. These caves were once called Chalk Cave and Baird Cave. They are a popular spot for visitors who want to explore a natural wonder.
Contents
Exploring the Ancient Caves
The Lake Shasta Caverns are incredibly old, formed over 200 million years ago! They were created by water flowing through the ground. Over a very long time, this water drained away, leaving behind the beautiful caves we see today.
How the Caves Were Formed
These caves are made entirely of a rock called limestone. Inside, you can see many cool rock formations. These include stalactites (which hang from the ceiling) and stalagmites (which grow from the floor). You can also spot thin "soda straws," tall columns, and wavy "flowstone." One special area, called the Discovery Room, has all these different types of formations.
The First Discoverer
The first person to officially explore these caverns was James A. Richardson. He worked for the government's fisheries department. On November 11, 1878, he wrote his name on a cave wall. You can still see it clearly today! He used carbide from his miner's lamp to write it.
Opening the Caves to Visitors
For many years, only a few brave spelunkers (cave explorers) could visit Lake Shasta Caverns. They had to squeeze through tiny, steep openings. But in 1964, things changed! To let more people see the caves, workers used explosives to blast a new entrance. They hoped to reach the lowest known room, called the Basement.
Discovering the Discovery Room
While blasting, the workers accidentally broke through a large rock wall. This revealed the amazing Discovery Room! This room is now considered one of the most fascinating parts of the caverns. Because of this discovery, the Basement Room is no longer the lowest point.
Protecting a Natural Treasure
The idea to protect these natural wonders came from Grace M. Tucker, a lawyer from Washington. In 1955, she became the sole owner of the caves. Later, in 1959, Mrs. Tucker and the Thompson brothers formed a company called Lake Shasta Properties, Inc. In May 2012, the site was officially named a National Natural Landmark. This means it's a very special natural place.
Visiting the Caverns Today
Today, thousands of people visit the Lake Shasta Caverns every year. The journey to the caves is an adventure itself! First, you take a short ride on a catamaran boat across Shasta Lake. After that, a bus takes you up a steep mountain road. The bus ride ends right at the cavern entrance, ready for your underground exploration!
Gallery
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Stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstone in the Lake Shasta Caverns.
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The boat that goes across Shasta Lake to Shasta Caverns.
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The mountain visible as you walk down the to the visitor center from the cave exit.
