Lake Shasta Caverns Reopens with State-of-the-Art Lighting Upgrade
Lake Shasta Caverns has officially reopened to visitors following a major lighting renovation project that began in January. The upgrade replaced 180 traditional bulbs with over 1,000 energy-efficient LED “Luminaries,” making it the largest capital investment in the caverns since the 1960s.
The new lighting system reduces power consumption by 80%, allowing the attraction to run on solar energy instead of diesel generators. It also benefits the caverns’ bat population by preventing the growth of lampenflora, a light-loving organism once fueled by incandescent bulbs.
Visitors will enjoy an enhanced experience with guide-controlled lighting that fades in and out to highlight key formations. In the Cathedral Room—the largest in the caverns—guests will experience a sound and light presentation that tells the story of the caverns’ formation.
Lake Shasta Caverns is now the second cave in the U.S. to feature this advanced lighting system, following Natural Bridge Caverns in Texas. The project was an international collaboration, involving local and global teams from Shasta County to Spain, Germany, Romania, and Slovenia.
A public grand reopening event is scheduled for June 6, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony and special activities.
