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This popular park, one of several natural and cultural attractions near Ely, supports a variety of outdoor activities.
Fishing is dominant. German brown trout are native to 32-acre Cave Lake and its streams, and rainbows are stocked. Motorboats are limited to 5 mph.
Ice fishing is also popular. The lakeside campground, one of two campgrounds, is open year-round. Most of the park roads are plowed.
Ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding are also popular wintertime diversions at Cave Lake.
In the warmer months, the park attracts hikers, canoeists and float tubers, picnickers and wildlife watchers. Hardy swimmers also test these icy waters, although hypothermia isn't uncommon at this 7,300-foot elevation, even in summer.
Naturalists find the 1,240-acre park especially rewarding. The rugged, dramatic terrain combines pinyon-juniper woodlands with wetlands, supporting a wealth of flora and fauna.
Elk, mule deer, mountain lions and coyotes are found in the park. Birds sighted at the park include raptors, waterfowl and songbirds. Reptile species include the western rattlesnake.
There are eight miles of easy-to-strenuous hiking trails. Mountain bikers may use park roads and some trails.
Thirty-five campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Two sites are wheelchair-accessible. A trailer dump station is provided.
The park is located on State Route 486, off Hwy. 93 southeast of Ely. Nearby are Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park and the Humboldt National Forest.
Outdoor Activities |
Cave Lake as seen from the dam.
The road into Cave Lake State Park.
Cave Lake from the upper end.
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