National Monuments

Nestled in the Siskiyou Mountains of southwestern Oregon, Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve protects a unique marble cave system known as the “Marble Halls of Oregon,” along with its surrounding lush forest, rare species, and century-long history of exploration and stewardship. Visitors can enjoy guided cave tours, scenic hiking trails, and camping in a spectacular subterranean and mountain environment.

Overview

• The cave system stretches for nearly a mile, with twisting passages, flowing streams, and remarkable formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones .
• The surface area includes dense forests of Douglas-fir, sugar pine, and incense cedar, along with unique plant and animal species adapted to cave and forest environments .
• The preserve area allows for restoration projects, wildlife protection, and the conservation of broader landscape connectivity beyond the cave itself .

History

• The Chateau at Oregon Caves, built in the 1930s, is a National Historic Landmark and serves as a base for lodging and visitor orientation, showcasing rustic architecture integrated into the forest landscape .
• The monument has been managed to balance public access with the preservation of delicate cave formations and sensitive cave-dwelling species .
• The expansion to a national preserve in 2014 allowed for greater protection of surrounding ecosystems and the implementation of restoration and resource management programs .

Geology

• The cave formed as slightly acidic water, derived from surface rainfall and organic acids in the soil, slowly dissolved the 400-million-year-old marble, creating underground chambers and passageways .
• Unique features include a variety of speleothems (cave formations) such as stalactites, stalagmites, ribbons, and flowstones, many of which are formed from the redeposition of calcium carbonate .
• The cave’s hydrology is active, with streams flowing through the passages and contributing to ongoing cave development and alteration .

Biology

• Cave-adapted species include a type of troglomorphic (cave-adapted) beetle and other invertebrates that rely on the stable, dark, and moist cave environment for survival .
• The above-ground forest is home to black bears, northern spotted owls, Pacific salamanders, and hundreds of other species that depend on intact forest ecosystems .
• Resource management efforts focus on protecting both cave and surface habitats to ensure the long-term survival of sensitive species and ecological processes .

Visitor Information

Cave Tours

• The main Historic Tour takes visitors through the heart of the cave, highlighting its most famous formations and history of discovery .
• Off-trail and introduction-to-caving tours offer a taste of adventure for those interested in exploring less-developed sections of the cave .

Surface Hiking Trails

• The Chateau Trail connects visitors to the historic Chateau, providing opportunities to see native plants and learn about the area’s geology above ground .
• The Union Creek and River Trail loops showcase the monument’s surface streams, wildlife, and lush forest scenery .

Camping

• Campsites provide basic amenities and are nestled among the monument’s iconic forest landscape .

Additional Resources

• Directions & Transportation – How to get to Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve.
• Camping – Information on camping options within the monument.
• Dining – Current dining options, noting that the Chateau is closed for repair and rehabilitation.
• Shop the Park Store – Purchase Oregon Caves themed books and gift items.
• Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau – A nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of the monument.
• Oregon Caves Kids Activities – Opportunities for children to engage with art and other fun activities.
• Circle of Discovery – Explore other national park sites in northern California and southern Oregon.

• Operating Hours & Seasons
• Fees & Passes
• Current Conditions
• Permits & Reservations
• Weather
• Pets

Links

• Website
• Map