Located in the remote, southeastern corner of the Beaver State, Malheur Cave in Oregon is a mysterious lava tube cave owned by the Masonic Lodge of Burns. For decades, the Masons have been holding annual gatherings deep within this cave, and conspiracy theorists claim that this place is shrouded in mystery. Whether or not these stories are true, there’s no denying that Malheur Cave is one of the creepiest spots in the Beaver State. Let’s explore this cave in Oregon that was used by the Freemason organization for decades before closing in October 2019.
Where is Malheur Cave located?
YouTube/water_skipper You’ll find Malheur Cave about 17 miles east of Crystal Crane Hot Springs in Burns, Oregon. Malheur Cave is a 3,000-foot lava tube cave used by local Native American tribes, early settlers, and other groups throughout history.
History of Malheur Cave
YouTube/water_skipper In 1938, two members of the Robert Burns Masonic Lodge, Ulysses S. Hackney and Charles W. Loggan, came up with the idea of holding a Freemason meeting inside this cave in Oregon. The first official meeting of the Masons at Malheur Cave was held on October 1, 1938.
For decades, Masons from all across the country would gather within the depths of this cave for their annual Malheur Cave Event.
YouTube/water_skipper
For years, the Freemason group in Oregon held their meetings in this cave, cleaning and maintaining the area. But of course, a group holding private meetings in a creepy cave caused rumors and conspiracy theories to swirl about, regarding both the masons and cave itself.
YouTube/water_skipper
According to local legends, Native Americans believed that this cave was a passageway to the underworld.
YouTube/water_skipper
Malheur Cave Conspiracy Theories
YouTube/water_skipper Some of the crazier theories claim that Malheur Cave in Oregon played host to satanic rituals and devil worship.
And some even believed Malheur Cave to be connected to an underground tunnel network spanning the entire United States, connecting with other caves owned by Freemasons.
YouTube/water_skipper
In any case, there’s no denying that Malheur Cave is one of the creepiest places in Oregon – and its recent closure make it all the more intriguing.
YouTube/water_skipper
Is Malheur Cave still open today?
john hill/Google Local Malheur Cave has been closed since 2019, when local Masons erected a gate to the cave in order to stop the vandalism and graffiti that plagued the site. Over the years, the stone floor had been damaged, as some visitors attempted to burn the bleachers located inside. The cave was also addled with garbage and graffiti, too. While you can’t explore the cave anymore, if you’d like to see more from inside Malheur Cave, watch this video from YouTube user water_skipper:
Please note that as of October 2019, Malheur Cave is gated off and no longer open to the public. What do you think about these conspiracy theories? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
YouTube/water_skipper
You’ll find Malheur Cave about 17 miles east of Crystal Crane Hot Springs in Burns, Oregon. Malheur Cave is a 3,000-foot lava tube cave used by local Native American tribes, early settlers, and other groups throughout history.
In 1938, two members of the Robert Burns Masonic Lodge, Ulysses S. Hackney and Charles W. Loggan, came up with the idea of holding a Freemason meeting inside this cave in Oregon. The first official meeting of the Masons at Malheur Cave was held on October 1, 1938.
Some of the crazier theories claim that Malheur Cave in Oregon played host to satanic rituals and devil worship.
john hill/Google Local
Malheur Cave has been closed since 2019, when local Masons erected a gate to the cave in order to stop the vandalism and graffiti that plagued the site. Over the years, the stone floor had been damaged, as some visitors attempted to burn the bleachers located inside. The cave was also addled with garbage and graffiti, too. While you can’t explore the cave anymore, if you’d like to see more from inside Malheur Cave, watch this video from YouTube user water_skipper:
For more creepy places in Oregon, here are 10 sure to satisfy the bravest Beaver State ghost hunters!
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Address: Malheur-Cave Road, Malheur-Cave Rd, Oregon 97721, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Freemason Cave in Oregon September 13, 2021 Sarah What are some other caves in Oregon? While the cave in Oregon used by the Freemason group is now closed, there are many other caves in Oregon that are open for exploration… and not creepy and shrouded in mystery! One of our favorites is also totally adorable: the sea lion caves near Florence, Oregon. This sea cave in Oregon is part of the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve, and is a sanctuary for many different kinds of animals – including the hundreds of Stellar Sea Lions that live and breed here many months of the year. This massive cave was formed about 25 million years ago. The ceiling measures 125 feet tall, and the cave is 1,315 feet long - the longest in America, in fact! Depending on the timing of your visit, you might see hundreds of Stellar sea lions, just lounging on the rocks (the caves are also home to bats, sea birds, orcas, whales, owls, and puffins). The best part? Enjoying this sea cave is free! Sea Caves has an epic viewing platform suspended high above the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve, from which you can view the cave and marine wildlife. The views here are absolutely spectacular. Are there other creepy places in Oregon? While a naturally beautiful place, Oregon also has its fair of creepy places, ghost stories, and haunted locales. For starters, there’s a real, live ghost ship on the Oregon Coast that brave souls can camp next to! Speaking of camping, Smith Rock State Park was once the site of a horribly gruesome massacre, and some say the campgrounds are haunted by this horrible happening so long ago. Hungry for more? You brave soul! Here are 10 of the most terrifying places you can explore in Oregon. Happy ghost hunting! Does Oregon have any caves open for exploration? If it’s a caving adventure you’re seeking, you can most definitely find it here in Oregon! The eponymous Oregon Caves offer one of the most thrilling and bucket-list-worthy cave adventures you can have in the Beaver State. Known as the “Marble Halls of Oregon,” the Oregon Caves are a stunning natural spectacle that need to be on your Oregon bucket list. And guess what? You can take a tour and explore both mountain and cavern — from the inside out! Like Malheur Cave in Oregon, the Oregon Caves also have a totally captivating history; albeit, nowhere near as creepy! Learn more about this only-in-Oregon caving adventure here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Freemason Cave in Oregon
September 13, 2021
Sarah
What are some other caves in Oregon? While the cave in Oregon used by the Freemason group is now closed, there are many other caves in Oregon that are open for exploration… and not creepy and shrouded in mystery! One of our favorites is also totally adorable: the sea lion caves near Florence, Oregon. This sea cave in Oregon is part of the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve, and is a sanctuary for many different kinds of animals – including the hundreds of Stellar Sea Lions that live and breed here many months of the year. This massive cave was formed about 25 million years ago. The ceiling measures 125 feet tall, and the cave is 1,315 feet long - the longest in America, in fact! Depending on the timing of your visit, you might see hundreds of Stellar sea lions, just lounging on the rocks (the caves are also home to bats, sea birds, orcas, whales, owls, and puffins). The best part? Enjoying this sea cave is free! Sea Caves has an epic viewing platform suspended high above the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve, from which you can view the cave and marine wildlife. The views here are absolutely spectacular. Are there other creepy places in Oregon? While a naturally beautiful place, Oregon also has its fair of creepy places, ghost stories, and haunted locales. For starters, there’s a real, live ghost ship on the Oregon Coast that brave souls can camp next to! Speaking of camping, Smith Rock State Park was once the site of a horribly gruesome massacre, and some say the campgrounds are haunted by this horrible happening so long ago. Hungry for more? You brave soul! Here are 10 of the most terrifying places you can explore in Oregon. Happy ghost hunting! Does Oregon have any caves open for exploration? If it’s a caving adventure you’re seeking, you can most definitely find it here in Oregon! The eponymous Oregon Caves offer one of the most thrilling and bucket-list-worthy cave adventures you can have in the Beaver State. Known as the “Marble Halls of Oregon,” the Oregon Caves are a stunning natural spectacle that need to be on your Oregon bucket list. And guess what? You can take a tour and explore both mountain and cavern — from the inside out! Like Malheur Cave in Oregon, the Oregon Caves also have a totally captivating history; albeit, nowhere near as creepy! Learn more about this only-in-Oregon caving adventure here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
While the cave in Oregon used by the Freemason group is now closed, there are many other caves in Oregon that are open for exploration… and not creepy and shrouded in mystery! One of our favorites is also totally adorable: the sea lion caves near Florence, Oregon. This sea cave in Oregon is part of the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve, and is a sanctuary for many different kinds of animals – including the hundreds of Stellar Sea Lions that live and breed here many months of the year. This massive cave was formed about 25 million years ago. The ceiling measures 125 feet tall, and the cave is 1,315 feet long - the longest in America, in fact! Depending on the timing of your visit, you might see hundreds of Stellar sea lions, just lounging on the rocks (the caves are also home to bats, sea birds, orcas, whales, owls, and puffins). The best part? Enjoying this sea cave is free! Sea Caves has an epic viewing platform suspended high above the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve, from which you can view the cave and marine wildlife. The views here are absolutely spectacular.
Are there other creepy places in Oregon?
While a naturally beautiful place, Oregon also has its fair of creepy places, ghost stories, and haunted locales. For starters, there’s a real, live ghost ship on the Oregon Coast that brave souls can camp next to! Speaking of camping, Smith Rock State Park was once the site of a horribly gruesome massacre, and some say the campgrounds are haunted by this horrible happening so long ago. Hungry for more? You brave soul! Here are 10 of the most terrifying places you can explore in Oregon. Happy ghost hunting!
Does Oregon have any caves open for exploration?
If it’s a caving adventure you’re seeking, you can most definitely find it here in Oregon! The eponymous Oregon Caves offer one of the most thrilling and bucket-list-worthy cave adventures you can have in the Beaver State. Known as the “Marble Halls of Oregon,” the Oregon Caves are a stunning natural spectacle that need to be on your Oregon bucket list. And guess what? You can take a tour and explore both mountain and cavern — from the inside out! Like Malheur Cave in Oregon, the Oregon Caves also have a totally captivating history; albeit, nowhere near as creepy! Learn more about this only-in-Oregon caving adventure here.
