The largest and deepest limestone pit in America is located at El Capitan. The cave’s entrance looks south across El Capitan Passage, which is relatively shallow, to the beautiful Kosciusko Island. A stream emerges from beneath the cave, supplying water to the El Capitan Forest Service Camp located above the cave (and ultimately from a river within the cave).
El Capitan Cave is home to a wide range of species. When it gets dark, river otters may find their den by following a scent trail. The fur of an otter can be observed on the gate, and its traces can be spotted on occasion. When winter comes, two different kinds of brown bats head for the cave. Amphipods, collembolans, and mites are some examples of cave-adapted tiny species that can be found in the pools.
