Alternatives for the The Lost Dune Site Field Trip - (25 Jul 2026)

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Alternatives for the Lost Dune Archaeological Site Field Trip

Greetings ASCO Members,

We regret The Lost Sand Dunes Field Trip IS CANCELED for July 25. Scott Thomas contacted us this past week after visiting the site and found grass growing 3 feet tall in the middle of the dirt track. By late July, the grass would be flammable and was very concerned about starting a range fire with a vehicle catalytic converter. We will look for an earlier trip next year. Tom Machala, ASCO Trip Committee Chair

Individual Options after CANCELATION of the Lost Dune site tour.

Although not sponsored by ASCO, members can still choose to do their own trip on 7/25 to the Malheur Cave and Harney County Historical Museum, as was proposed with the original Lost Sand Dunes trip. Below is information on both:

Harney County Historical Museum is located on the Northeast end of Burns, with past and local settler artifacts and archaeological specimens, including arrow heads and Native American sandals similar to those from Paisley Cave. it is open 10:00am to 4:00pm Tuesday-Saturday. There is a small admission fee. Located North end of Burns off at the top of the hill on the left as Hwy 20 exits Burns to the North.

Malheur Cave is located about 55 miles past Burns off Highway 78. Open 10-4 PM July 25 & 26 only. The Robert Burns Masonic Lodge No. 97 in Burns purchased the cave and the surrounding 40 acres of land to use as a meeting venue. The inside has been modified to function as a meeting hall. The floor is paved with asphalt in sections, and stadium-style bleachers and a Masonic altar have been installed to facilitate large gatherings. To protect it from vandalism, The Lodge only opens it a few weekends each year. Lodge requires release of information, no guided tours, Admission is Free, but Donations are requested. There is No cell service, toilet, water, shade, except in cave; bring flashlight.

Malheur Cave is a classic lava tube extending approximately 3,000 feet (910 m) from the entrance to the rear termination. The entrance is relatively low, but the interior opens into spacious chambers with ceiling heights varying from 8 feet near the mouth to approximately 20 feet further inside. The tube ends at an underground lake. The water level fluctuates significantly based on seasonal precipitation and the local water table; during high water stands, the lake can extend to within 1,000 feet of the entrance. Before the arrival of settlers, the cave was known to the Northern Paiute people. Regional oral traditions and creation narratives referred to it. According to the Oregon Natural Desert Association and published oral histories, the cave is described as an "underworld" or origin place associated with the subterranean water. In the book Legends of the Northern Paiute: As Told by Wilson Wewa, the site plays a role in the tribe's traditional cosmology.

Directions to Malheur cave via Google AI:

Driving Directions from BurnsHead East on Highway 78: Leave Burns and drive east/southeast along OR-78 E for approximately 52 miles.

Turn at Milepost 52: Watch for milepost 52 and the signs for the Tree Top Ranch, turning left onto the dirt road.

Follow the Dirt Road: Travel "exactly" 3 miles along the dirt road, counting and passing four cattle guards.

Final Approach: Immediately after the fourth cattle guard, turn left around the corral.

Head west on the dirt track until you reach the cave entrance

Archaeological Society of Central Oregon upcoming events

Alternatives for the The Lost Dune Site Field Trip - (25 Jul 2026)