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Oregon > Oregon Caves National Monument

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Oregon Caves National Monument

General Information

Description - This site preserves and protects a diverse old-growth forest, the widest Douglas Fir Tree known to man and an active marble cave.

Attractions - Oregon Caves National Monument encompasses 480 acres rich in diversity with attractions above and below ground. Above ground several trails lead through a remnant
old-growth coniferous forest. Trails for day hiking and nature study lie within the Monument. A few trails begin in the Monument, but connect with trails in the nearby National Forest, providing opportunities for backpacking. A picnicking facility also lies on site. Below ground is an active marble cave created by natural forces over hundreds of thousands of years in one of the
world's most diverse geologic realms. An interagency Visitor Center is open in Cave Junction and provides general information on the cultural and historical significance of the site.

Recreation - Before entering Oregon Caves National Monument visitors should consider stopping at the interagency Illinois Valley Visitor Center in Cave Junction. Here you'll find general information on the site as well as books, maps and exhibits on geology, flora and fauna. Once in the Monument visitors will find opportunities for hiking, backpacking, nature study, picnicking and spelunking. Due to the nature of the cave, only the first room is accessible to individuals using wheelchairs. Some picnic tables and rest rooms are also accessible.

Climate - Summers at Oregon Caves are generally warm and sunny, with cool nights and occasional afternoon or evening thunderstorms. Winters are cold and wet. The temperature within the cave is a constant 41 degrees F (5 degrees C), so warm clothing is recommended. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the trail surface in the cave is uneven and slippery.

Location - The Monument is located in the southwestern corner of Oregon, on Highway 46, 20 miles east of Cave Junction.

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

Trip Reports:
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Filed By: Eric Polk (Lakewood, CA)
Number of People Encountered: 25-50 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: The Oregon Caves National Monument is home to one of the most beautiful lodges in the National Park system. It spans the valley that the cave is located in and the stream that comes from the cave goes right through the lodge before continuing down the valley. The cave itself is quite beautiful although persons with claustrophobia are warned not to attempt the tour. It does get a little low and narrow in several spots, often requiring a person to duck or twist to get around cave formations. If you decide to stay in the lodge, know that it is a rustic lodge with no air conditioning or elevators. We were on the third floor in the middle of record breaking heat and we found sleeping to be quite miserable before we found out you can request fans from housekeeping. The whole monument is tiny. On two of the three hiking trails we took, we exited the and re-entered the monument despite the trails being less than two mile loops. Note that the cave is closed during the winter so the bats are not disturbed during hibernation while the lodge remains open year round.

More Information

Contact Information:
Oregon Caves National Monument, c/o Long Dist. Trails Off.-SLC, 324 S. State Street, Suite 250 , Cave Junction, OR, 97523, Phone: 801-539-4094

Additional Information:
Oregon National Forests and Parks - Oregon offers a vast amount of federal land, much of it encompassed within its 13 National Forests. The Park Service sites in Oregon include Crater Lake National Park, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Oregon Caves National Monument and the Fort Clatsop National Memorial.
Southern Oregon - Southern Oregon offers a balanced mix of natural, historical and cultural attractions. The centerpiece of Southern Oregon is Crater Lake National Park, Oregons only National Park. Crater Lake is 1,932 feet deep, the deepest lake in the United States.

Links:
Oregon Caves National Monument - Official agency Website