This volcanic valley is full of lava flows and the remnants of lava tubes. Lava tubes are caves underground where lava once flowed. As it dried and emptied, it left a tube or cave. Nearby Lave Beds National Monument has documented over 800 lava tubes as of 2014. About two dozen lava tubes within the monument have been developed for tourists. This location is NOT within the National Monument boundaries and no fee is required.
The Modoc Indians once inhabited this entire valley. As you explore around this area, imagine the Modocs sitting on the lava rocks, chipping arrowheads from obsidian. Obsidian is a black glass rock that is also known as lava glass. To the north of the valley is what remains of Tulelake. Now a bird and wildlife refuge, Tulelake once covered much more area and was drained to provide fertile farmland to the region.
The cave near this geocache is a lava tube. The locals call it “Secret Cave” because you won’t know about it unless someone tells you where it is. Entering lava tubes is dangerous and should only be done by those who know the dangers, are prepared, and willing to take the risk. This lava cave is undeveloped and has a very small opening. If you choose to enter, make sure you have at least one flashlight, a jacket, and head cover. Entering any lava cave is at your own risk. This geocache is NOT located inside the lava cave.
I understand some prefer to use only GPS coordinates to locate geocaches, but with services being extremely limited out here, I am going to provide directions. Going west on CR-97 from Tionesta, turn right onto CR-10. There will be a sign for Lava Beds National Monument, which is 14 miles away. On CR-10, drive under the power lines and over the railroad tracks. Take the SECOND dirt road on the right just past the railroad tracks. It is very short and ends with a loop. Park in the loop and look to the right. Below the lava rocks is the lava tube opening. The clue to the geocache's location is encrypted below.