Natural, manmade art found at Lake Lenore Caves

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake is known for its artistic offerings, but 8 miles past on state Route 17 there's a unique sight for the eyes.

Drivers and passengers keeping their eyes open might spot large, dark caves looming above them in the rock walls towering over the valley, when navigating a car toward Dry Falls.

They are the Lake Lenore Caves.

To reach the caves requires a brief inclined hike from a state-built parking area. Signs lead to the gravel access road, making its way to the parking and an outhouse. The hike is an exercise trip and presents a chance to view history.

When looking closely at the right rocks along the path, one can see markings put there by previous passers-by.

It should be noted the markings to be found are petroglyphs carved into the rocks by native tribes hundreds of years ago, not the more recent graffiti-like paintings.

Hiker Elizabeth Freeman commented she had trouble telling the difference.

Andrew Mullarky, visiting from France, said he was hoping to see more petroglyphs.

Written on a sign at the base of the incline is information about the history of the caves, including the artists responsible for the petroglyphs.

Nomadic native tribes visited the area to gather food. They left behind supplies needed for their next hunting and fishing excursion before bringing their bounty to their villages, which are believed to have been along the Columbia River or one its tributaries.

The creation of the caves occurred during the last Ice Age, about 2 million years ago, when ice melting carved basalt away from the cliffs.

The caves are not very deep, going back into the cliffs only a short distance, but still could provide enough shelter for the gatherers.

Dave Willingham from Vashon Island, ascended to the caves with Mullarky and Freeman and said he would like more information about the area, but the trip made him aware of the fragility of the culture left behind and the importance of preserving it.

Although one does not need expert hiking skills to reach the caves and there's even a staircase in one section, it's advisable to be mindful of the sharp rocks along the path near the cave entrances. They can make getting a secure foothold difficult and a fall onto them could easily cause injury.

The cave floors are covered with larger rocks and at the tops the natural carving made the appearance of jagged teeth hanging from these mouths opening from the cliffs.

"The other thing about the cave is it's really peaceful," Willingham said.

He described it as, "Just hearing the sound of the planet."

To find the Lake Lenore Caves, drive 8 miles south of Sun Lakes State Park on highway 17 and 8 miles north of Soap Lake on highway 17. Along state Route 17, between Soap Lake and Dry Falls Junction, look for a sign between mile marker 94 and 95 showing the turn-off for the Lake Lenore Caves. It leads to the parking area.