Cars park on the road, waiting to go through the gate to the Lava River Cave parking area in 2022.

A timed-entry system to ease congestion at Lava River Cave began Friday, allowing visitors to book immediate reservations online.

Lava River Cave, part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, offers self-guided exploration of a mile-long lava tube. 

Half of the tickets for Lava River Cave are available on a seven-day rolling basis, the U.S. Forest Service said in a news release. The other half are available on a 24-hour booking window.

Reservations can be made through recreation.gov.

The tickets are free. However, reservation.gov charges a $2 service fee. Reservations also can be made by calling 877-444-6777. The call center is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets can be printed or downloaded to a mobile phone.

The timed-reservation system started in 2022 and is designed to ease congestion, reduce wait times and prevent cars from parking alongside the road.

The timed reservations are for a two-hour entry block. Entry blocks open up on the hour, every hour, starting at 9 a.m. with the last block at 2 p.m. Visitors must leave the cave by 4 p.m.

The cave is open Monday through Friday from May 3-20. From May 23-Sept. 15 the cave is open seven days a week.

A timed reservation covers everyone in the vehicle. There is no per-person charge. A valid federal recreation pass is also required per vehicle.

Visitors who bike or walk to the site do not need a timed reservation. Visitors are advised to bring a high-powered flashlight. Lights can be rented at the site for $5.

For more information, contact the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District at 541-383-5300.