Just east of the Lich Forest, a short detour off the main hiking trail leads to one of La Sombra’s most dramatic geological features: QuillGut. This rib-like cavern stretches wide like the fossilized chest of a sleeping giant, its natural stone arches curving overhead with uncanny precision. The cavern’s name is said to come from Qilugut, the Inuit word for “ribcage,” though it’s now pronounced Quill-Gut by locals. Bathed in shadow and echo, this cavern is a must-see for nature lovers, photographers, and folklore enthusiasts alike.

The legend of the Wind God

Local legend tells of a mighty wind god who hurled himself from the sky to end the Great Fire that ravaged the forests for two full years. In a final act of sacrifice, he crashed into the heart of the land, snuffing out the flames with his own body. The impact was so fierce, so impossibly hot, that his bones fossilized on contact, forming the curved stone ribs now known as QuillGut. To this day, the cavern is believed to be his resting place—his ribcage left open to the sky, the wind still weaving between his bones like breath caught in memory. On certain days, visitors swear they can feel a pulse in the air, as if the god’s spirit still lingers, watching over the land he saved.

Visiting QuillGut Caverns

Winding through the heart of the Lich Forest is a dried creek bed that Reaching QuillGut requires a moderate hike along a narrow offshoot of the Lich Forest’s dried creek trail. As you approach, the canopy thins and gives way to towering stone ribs that stretch toward the sky. The terrain is uneven and rocky, with occasional slick patches where moisture collects, so sturdy footwear is essential. Once inside, the acoustics are surreal—voices bounce in strange ways, and even soft footsteps feel amplified. For safety and storytelling, guided hikes are available on weekends through the La Sombra Visitor’s Bureau. Explorers are encouraged to take their time and look up: the forest may whisper, but here, the cavern sings.