The Lost River remains a mystery to this day. In order to keep most of the caverns accessible, water is pumped out of the cave. The Gilmans tried dye testing the water, but no dye emerged in the area s surface streams. They sent a diver down the river, but he found the passage too tight after twenty feet. Most of the upper passages are catacombs, carved by the force of flowing water.
Streaks show where water levels rose and fell.
The cavern walls shine, alive with developing formations in a variety of colors. White indicates pure calcite. Red and brown streaks come from iron ore, and the light gray walls contain zinc oxide. Smoke stains the drier walls of the cave. Since the lighting system is left on during the duration of day tours, mosses grow in niches and crevices in the cavern walls.