Caves: Idaho

Papoose Cave - Idaho

Provided by Sam Lair

Papoose Cave, is located in the Nez Perce National Forest in central Idaho and is a rugged, undeveloped, fault-controlled, alpine karst type cave. The cave is mapped to a depth of over 800 feet and was once ranked the third deepest in the Nation. Discoveries and exploration over the years have dropped its position to number 23 in the continental United States. With more than 12 pits, most over 50 feet in depth, the cave is often quite noisy as the creek pours over thundering waterfalls. Relative humidity remains over 90 percent and the mean temperature is near 37 degrees Fahrenheit, creating an extremely cool and damp environment year round. A multi-level maze of tall, narrow, twisting passages, the cave can be confusing; even to veteran cavers.

There are more than 3 miles of mapped passages, making Papoose the only extensive, undeveloped limestone cave in Idaho, Washington, or Oregon. A majority of the cave passages have water in the form of running streams or standing pools and often the floor
of the passage is all water requiring bridging and stemming techniques as the only way to proceed. The cave is physically demanding and not to be underestimated, requiring stamina and technical skills. Trips in the cave tend to range from 5 to 10 hours in length and rope work is required to proceed beyond the entrance room. Group size is limited depending on the area of the cave to be visited, some areas are limited to a group size of
4 including the resource monitor. The largest group size allowed in the cave is 6 including the resource monitor. All trips must be accompanied by a Forest Service approved resource monitor.

Papoose Cave is a highly decorated and beautiful cave with some areas completely covered in formations. If you have the time, equipment, and skills, then Papoose is well worth the visit!

On the subject of equipment and skills, vertical equipment and proficiency are required. We cannot stress enough that the cave is cold and damp and hypothermia is a very real concern for the unprepared. Layered synthetic insulation under some kind of waterproof shell is recommended. Wet suits are not recommended.

Bob Straub of the Gem State Grotto will be organizing pre-convention trips into Papoose Cave. Bob plans to offer trips Wednesday, August 2nd through Friday, August 4th. Papoose Cave is governed by a management plan and trips must be pre-approved by the Forest Service.

Contact Bob Straub at bhstraub@mindspring.com or 208-362-4499 for more information on visiting this world class cave.