Big Painted Cave in Tulelake

Review №1

2019-06-30

I cant rate whether the cave is good or bad. We were told by Rangers that it would be an easy hike in the cave. As we passed others, they said the cave was too difficult and scary for them. Another person said they were unimpressed. So basically all we did was go for a walk cuz it didnt feel safe to go in the caves.

Review №2

2021-07-22

Not that I would ever discourage people from taking a short 1 mile hike but I have to agree with the other previous reviews that this really isn’t worth the effort and you’re better off using that energy somewhere else. The hike isn’t that nice since it’s all a burnt out area and the 2 caves themselves won’t satisfy most that come. This particular cave if you follow the actual trail down leads to what appears to be a dead end, but there is a small hidden entry concealed in the fallen rocks. To enter you’ll need to be slender,agile and willing to crawl through and under the tight fallen rocks down into the lava tube which even for me without the proper gear on hand or knowledge of the tunnel itself is to unsafe and not worth the risk. There is another large entrance opposite end of the one the trail leads down to but no visible path in which to enter from and no obvious signs this would be a better possibility. Unless you’re experienced and with the proper gear or unless I just missed something I wouldn’t suggest advancing down into the lava tube.

Review №3

2022-03-05

Bring a good flashlight not a cheap one. Head lamp is even better.

Review №4

2019-10-06

The name of both Painted caves and Symbol bridge is an exaggeration of what is in there. You can hardly see those paintings. And to see the bridge you need imagination. Dont hike to these places with high expectations.

Review №5

2019-06-29

Its almost a mile hike on uneven ground to the cavern. Once there prepare for a climb down to the mouth of the cave. Not for those with mobility issues. Well worth the hike and the climb though

Review №6

2018-09-19

Big Painted Cave and Symbol Bridge both have pictographs from the Modoc Indians during their Vision Quests. Must go down to the entrance of the cave to see the pictographs. We enjoyed Symbol Bridge

Review №7

2017-08-02

The hike in is nice. The pictographs are mostly faded. All in all, Id skip this cave in the future.

Review №8

2018-06-10

Do not miss this cave! It is an experience that simply should not be missed! Amazing memories will be made!!!

Review №9

2016-07-18

Couldnt find any pictographs but if you follow the path to the left you will get to the tunnel down to the ice chamber.

Review №10

2019-08-04

Kind of disappointing. No petroglyphs that we could see. But if a dicey descent into the cave.