Near Haifa
Israel
Total Time: 1:15
Estimated Distance: 1.4 miles
Pros: Nice climb, great views, interesting cave
Cons: None
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/y3JvaWzQ2n4zjoHAA
Hiking Partner:
Avigael Friedman
I was in Israel for a short trip and was near the Carmel Mountain range near Haifa and found a nice hike with a cave. The Carmel range is a limestone ridge not far from the ocean, and offering ocean views and really nice scenery. The pocked limestone is full of caves, and the cave we visited on the hike, the Etzba Cave (or Finger Cave translated in English) is a deep cave that you need a flashlight to fully explore.
We parked the car on Route 721 at the base of the mountain at the Nachal Bustan park. We took the trail up the steep steps to the cave, and then entered the cave and went deep in. I purchased a flashlight earlier in the day in order to properly explore the cave. We went to the point where it gets very narrow and I no longer felt comfortable going further, despite seeing light on the other end in the distance.
We then went back out the cave along the same way, and continued ascending. There is a great view to the east facing the Mediterranean, with banana farms across the coastal plain stretching for miles. We continued along the trail to the split, and then took the loop route back to our car.
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| Ascedning the Trail to the Cave |
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| View of the Valley Below |
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| Opening of the Etzba Cave |
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| Inside the Cave |
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| Ascending the Mountain after the Cave |
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| View of Banana in Bags Along the Coastal Plain |
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| Near the top of the Mountain |
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| On the Descent |
