CAVE CLEAN UP

Help us Sandblast and clean up trash at Wind Cave

August 28 & 29th, 2026
*Registration is FREE - but required*

** Due to Forest Service closures, our Cave Clean Up will look different this year.
Join us on August 28th and 29th as we partner with the Oregon High Desert Grotto to help sandblast & clean Wind Cave.

Updated Details: Clean Up Projects with Oregon High Desert Grotto

Project 1: Sandblasting Prep - Friday, August 28th: Half Day (8:00am - 1:00pm) or Full Day (8:00am - 5:00pm)
This day will be physically demanding. We will be hauling buckets of sand over long distances, up and down lava rock outcroppings, and running hose through the entire cave. The purpose of this effort is to prep the cave for sandblasting for the purpose of removing graffiti.

We will form large teams to help move equipment and supplies over boulder gardens. Folks should be comfortable, sure-footed and fit enough to move over loose rocks with weight. Each round trip into the cave is over a mile. This will range from difficult to exhausting for people. Loads of 30-60lbs will be common. Volunteers will need food, water, and rugged footwear.

Please note: On this day, The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will also be partnering with us, bringing 5-10 correctional community service volunteers to help with the sandblasting prep.

Project 2: Sandblasting - Saturday, August 29th: Half Day (8:00am - 1:00pm) or Full Day (8:00am - 5:00pm)
This day will be dedicated to graffiti removal. The work will physically demanding but not as demanding as Friday’s sandblasting prep work.

Volunteers will need to move long distances carrying loads with a full face respirator on. Respirators don't work with beards or large facial hair. The Oregon High Desert Grotto will provide respirators and help folks fit them on site. We will also need 1-2 volunteers to keep the gas compressors running and fueled on the surface. Volunteers will need food, water, and rugged footwear.

Project 3: Clean Up of Trash & Debris Outside of the Cave - Saturday, August 29th: Half Day (8:00am - 1:00pm)
This project will involve cleaning up trash and debris above ground in the area surrounding the cave. This work will not be very physically demanding, ensuring everyone who wants to help clean and protect our caves can participate!

The cave where we will be working is Wind Cave. The cave is located off of China Hat Road within the Forest Service closure area but we will be given special access for these clean up projects. Because the work area is within the closure, volunteers will be required to arrive and depart with Wanderlust Tours at our designated arrival and departure times.

** Registration is free but required.

If you have any questions, please call our office at (541) 389-8359.

Regular Cave Clean Up Details - Please Disregard for Summer 2026 - See above

About

Thanks for your interest in volunteering with Wanderlust Tours and other local businesses to help cleanup the Central Oregon caves! Wanderlust Tours partners with the Oregon High Desert Grotto, Deschutes National Forest, Visit Bend, Visit Central Oregon, SOLVE Oregon and other local businesses to clean up our local caves.

DETAILS

Clean Up Opportunities: Trash Pick Up, Sandblasting (if needed)

Location: We focus on the cave systems to the southeast of Bend. We clean around the mouth’s of the caves as well as inside the caves. We may also perform some sandblasting work in the caves to remove graffiti.

Date and Time:
Saturday, May 9th, 2026
9:00am - 1:00pm

Transportation: Departing from our office at 9:00AM

SUGGESTED DONATION

Suggested donation of $30 per person
Your donation helps fund future clean up efforts.

• $0 | Thanks so much for volunteering your time!

• $15 | Your time and your donation are what makes these efforts possible. Thank you!

• $30 | With a $30 donation you will receive "Ineffable"

• $50 | With a $50 donation you will receive "Ineffable" & a Wanderlust Tours Camp Mug.

If you are unable to join us but would still like to donate, please call us at (541) 389-8359.

INCLUDES

• Gear: Helmet, headlamp

• Clean Up: Buckets, Trash Bags

• Refreshment: A tasty brew from a local brewery & bubbly water

• Transportation: to and from the event, departing from our office

PLEASE BRING

• Layers: Warm layers— the caves are cool!

• Miscellaneous Gear: Gloves, Close-toed shoes, water bottle

• Snacks: Bring snacks (if desired) & Brown Bag Lunch

White Nose Syndrome in western North America

In March 2016 WNS was found in Washington state.  Wanderlust Tours is committed to cooperating with state and federal agencies, as well as conservation groups, to provide information to the public on the value of bats and the threat posed by WNS. Some of our Bend-area caves serve as winter hibernaculum which we do not visit.  We operate cave tours year-round where bats do not hibernate. If you want to learn more about WNS in the U.S., we encourage you to visit this website: http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/white-nose_syndrome/

Thanks for your interest in protecting our landscape!