The Blue Ridge Cave Trail is 3.5 miles long and is rated moderate. It sees moderate use from early spring through late winter.

Elevation: 6,700' to 7,200'

The Blue Ridge Cave Trail travels through the riparian areas along Porter Creek and beside Scott Reservoir before heading up the hill to higher elevations. Parts of the trail are rough because of the volcanic rocks and soil. Just past the mid-point of the trail is the ice cave, a lava tube discovered by sheepherders before 1910. Cool air (around 52° F) flows out of the cave constantly. The opening of the cave is simply a hole in level ground, although that hole has been fenced off and locked by the Forest Service for protection and preservation.

Access: Drive 0.2 miles toward McNary on State Road 260 from Lakeside Ranger Station. Turn left onto Porter Mountain Road (Forest Road 45) and go 1 mile to the trailhead on the right, immediately before Porter Mountain Road crosses Porter Creek.

USGS Maps: Lakeside